San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) will shut down in a couple of days after producing power supply to large cities and regional communities for over fifty years.
A majority of coal mine workers were Navajo citizens. Navajo coal miners provided economic prosperity for their families, communities, and extended families. As a Public Regulation Commissioner, I question whether public education regarding SJGS closure status was done. I also question did workforce training occur as planned. I believe Utility company’s roles and responsibilities are not noticed nor explained to my constituents. On Navajo land, there is a slogan repeated time and time again “energy companies come and go from this area.” My elders explained to me in Diné language, Energy Industries was not planted by Diné People. Lack of consultation was shown by energy producing business for a long time and Diné People lost hope. Diné People saw from their hogans (one room home), sheep corrals and ranch communities how the economic promise by industries continued to fade away. Lack of consultation for Diné People took a toll.
Diné People relied on government assistance to survive, community food distribution, government tribal clothing for children and local social services.
Diné People say, “someday energy industries will leave the area and never look back at the communities they could have helped.” In my mind, it was a devastating process. Energy Companies should have allowed Local Leaders to sit at the table for executive meetings. I read about Energy Companies stakeholders but American Indian stakeholder member was not mentioned.
Should Energy companies place a local community strategic plan to uplift economic disparity? My judgement, I don’t think it crossed their minds because Diné People are still here, still striving for better wages in employment opportunities.
Diné people are rich with our culture just like our ancestors. My constituents are determined to communicate to one another, teach our children cultural practice and protect our ancestral land. Diné People’s souls are here on this land. The end result, energy industries displayed an image of lost employment.
The quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone can rise above our sacred land, rivers, ponds, and most importantly our sacred mountains that protect us.
True belonging of my Diné People does not require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are. After the shutdown of SJGS, Diné People will exercise inclusion and it is very important leadership today.
District Four constituents will glide with a bird of prey with the wings extended.