The people of Pinon, Arizona live in a small remote
area in the heart of the Dineh (Navaho) reservation. This area is
stronghold of deeply held tradition. The community of Pinon operates
under the auspices of The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Local governing
agents are elected officials cooperating with local, state, tribal
and federal agencies. Since the lifting of the “Bennett freeze”,
which prevented new development, as well as other issues, the people
who live here are undergoing dramatic changes socially and economically.
The existing problems of the indigenous people of this area are currently
being compounded. The hard held traditional values have collided headlong
with unprecedented growth and modernization. This has resulted in
astronomical socio-economic problems.
What is needed are specific tools and programs
for the people in the area to learn viable and creative ways to integrate
the dramatic changes that are currently colliding with deeply held
tradition. Sacred Mountains Foundation, Inc, as an officially recognized
non profit organization by both the federal and tribal governments
is in a position to directly aid these existing and compounding problems.
Sacred Mountains Foundations theme of “preserving ancient ways
using modern tools” would capitalize on the positive aspects
of modernization and economic expansion, while preserving the rich
cultural heritage of the Dineh traditions. With a sense of pride and
dignity we open the doors to all our relations for peace and healing.
