Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has revealed plans to develop a new gaming facility along US Highway 89 near Flagstaff, Arizona. The project will take place on 13.8 acres of recently acquired trust land and will be spearheaded by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE), which already oversees four successful casinos in the Southwest.
The project promises to deliver significant economic benefits, including the creation of approximately 100 jobs. President Nygren expressed gratitude for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) during the signing ceremony for the General Warranty Deed. “The Navajo Nation appreciates the BIA’s efforts to work with us to get this application approved,” Nygren said. He also emphasized the historical importance of these lands, adding, “These lands that are taken into trust for the Navajo Nation are part of the federal government’s obligations to provide support for Navajos in Arizona who were forcibly relocated by the federal government through the 1974 Settlement Act.”
Strengthening Tribal Employment and Funds
The NNGE boasts an employee base that is 85% Navajo and 5% from other tribes, highlighting its focus on tribal employment. President Nygren explained that rents collected from leasing the land to NNGE will directly benefit the Diné Relocatee Fund. This fund supports Navajos affected by the relocation under the 1974 Settlement Act.
This latest acquisition marks the first time since 2016 that land has been placed into trust for the Navajo Nation. Previously, 85.68 acres in Tse Bonito, New Mexico, were granted trust status.
Several dignitaries attended the signing ceremony, including Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, BIA Director Bryan Mercier, and Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley. Federal representatives, including Assistant Secretary Newland, reaffirmed their dedication to supporting the Navajo Nation in enhancing economic opportunities while upholding the federal trust responsibility.
With this new venture, the Navajo Nation continues to expand its footprint in the gaming industry while addressing long-standing economic and social challenges for its members.
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