Medicine men just a 'pawn,' official says

By Sararesa Begay and Duane A. Beyal
The Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK | Oct. 10, 2002

The Diné Medicineman's Association is a pawn in the effort by "radical environmentalists" to drain Lake Powell, according to a written statement by the Navajo Nation's top economic development official.

The Sept. 25 statement by Ed Richards, executive director of the Navajo Nation's Division of Economic Development, also said objections to the Antelope Point project by Philmer Bluehouse, a member of the association, do not represent all medicine men and appear to be Bluehouse's own opinion.

Richards was responding to Bluehouse's comments in last week's Navajo Times in the article titled, "Tradition v. Progress - Medicine men oppose Antelope Point, tribal government says build it."

Bluehouse said his group opposes the project as well as other development that resulted in the Colorado River being dammed to create Lake Powell. Their objections are based on cultural and spiritual grounds.

"The Navajo medicine people have strong beliefs that our way of life and beliefs have been completely trampled on in favor of programs," Bluehouse said, adding that the Antelope Point site should be developed into a traditional healing center.

Other objections Bluehouse cited include the possible sale of alcohol when
the project is completed.

The Antelope Point project, on the drawing board for 20 years, is a resort development including a marina, hotel, restaurant and cultural center on the east shore of Lake Powell.

In his written statement, Richards said Bluehouse's group does not speak for all medicine men.

"According to other highly respected Navajo medicinemen, this Diné Medicine Association does not speak on behalf of all medicinemen nor does it seem to be a cohesive, unified organization," Richards said.

"It's not likely that Mr. Bluehouse speaks with any clear authority from a majority of the members. He appears to be expressing his own opinions.

 "Do we let one person or a small group of people overrule the wishes of the Navajo Nation Council, the Navajo Nation president/vice president and the Navajo Nation Council Economic Development Committee?" Richards asked.

Bluehouse on Wednesday said his group has more than 70 members from across the reservation.

Richards said the project has been discussed and planned for over 20 years and the public had ample opportunity to provide input.

Last week's article was focused on the issuance of a "Finding of No Significant Impact" on the project by the U.S. National Park Service. The document is a study of possible social, environmental and cultural impacts
by the project, yet another step in the federal process.

Richards said a memorandum of agreement was signed in 1970 by the Navajo Nation and federal agencies. Plans developed in 1986 are guiding the development of the project.

He said while there are some cultural and traditional issues associated with
the project, the issues were addressed in 1986 and 2002 environmental assessments of the project.

Richards also said five percent of land rent revenue from the project is recommended to be set aside for behavioral health programs. If the medicine men association want a healing center included, then they should pursue it, he said.

Regarding the finding of no significant impact, Richards added, "It is curious that at this late hour, when we are now finally ready to begin construction, a relatively small group of Navajo medicinemen, at the urging of radical environmentalists, wants to delay or kill this project and even drain the Lake Powell ...

" ... The real agenda has nothing to do with Navajo medicinemen's concerns - the real agenda is 'how can radical environmentalists eventually drain Lake Powell,'" Richards said. "The Navajo Medicinemen's Association is being used as a mere pawn in this game."

Richards said a reputable, qualified developer has been selected to construct and operate the resort and marina. The project will create hundreds of new Navajo jobs and provide a showcase for the Navajo Nation, he said.

"We, the Navajo people, should support this important project and stop trying to halt every opportunity ung people to earn a decent living and feed and educate their families," Richards said.

In response to Richards' statements, Bluehouse said he understands that Richards is a paid employee and is assigned to carry out economic development policies.

"I understand his motives," Bluehouse said. "On the other hand, his personal
involvement seems to bleed into the policies. I see the appearance of the old government divide and conquest ... "

"It is not respectful to downgrade the Diné Medicinemen's Associaton, Inc.
which I am a member of," Bluehouse added. "In a democratic society, each member has his own voice and his own opinion.

" ... If Mr. Richards is representing the Navajo Nation, he must also consider the traditional folks and how this will impact the future of all our children," he said.

Attempts to contact Thomas Morris, president of the Dinh Medicine Assocation, Inc., were unsuccessful as of press time Wednesday.