By Dwight Witherspoon, Navajo Nation Council delegate | Indian Country Today
Although the Navajo Generating Station carries the name of the Navajo people, the “Navajo” Generating Station previously negotiated in 1968 and 1969 had significant flaws for the Navajo Nation. First, five power companies along with the United States Bureau of Reclamation planned a way to generate cheap electricity and deliver water throughout the State of Arizona by using the Navajo Nation’s resources. Second, the Navajo Nation was exploited for use of their land, water and coal with little benefit. Therefore, it is critical for the Navajo Nation to re-negotiate Navajo Generating Station’s (NGS) use of Navajo land, water, and coal; including, taxes and ownership so the Navajo Nation experiences maximum benefits.
