LEUPP — Navajo residents near Grand Falls have long catered to thousands of tourists visiting the famous “Chocolate Falls” in the Navajo Nation near Flagstaff, but the disruption caused by so many visitors is no longer acceptable and has closed access. site.
Rumors circulated late last week that the community had closed the Grand Falls, known as Adairini, after runoff from a recent storm swollen the Little Colorado River, which flows over the falls, bringing in an influx of new visitors.
Residents said the crowd led to overflowing trash and discarded beer bottles. ATV off-road into residential areas and undesignated roads. deterioration of roads; disturbance of natural ecosystems, their inhabitants and cultural sites;
“That’s our home,” said one Navajo rancher whose family has a homestead not far from the falls and who asked to remain anonymous over safety concerns. It’s like coming into your backyard and doing whatever you want.”
Radmila Cody, a Navajo singer who grew up in the Grand Falls area, has shown support and solidarity with community members who want to keep Grand Falls away from tourists.
In a statement to the Republic of Arizona, Cody said, “I support and support my relatives and their decision not to open Adairini/Grand Falls to the public.” And it’s disappointing to hear concerns about our non-human relatives.The Adahirini is a sacred, sacred place.”
Garbage piles up and visitors cause trouble for residents
The problem is nothing new, say residents who have dealt with the impact of tourists in the area for decades. Visitors do not often pack garbage. As a result, his two county-provided trash cans overflow. Still without running water or electricity, the community does not have the luxury of garbage collection services, and residents are forced to pick up their own garbage.
“Visitors are not only vandalizing the area, they are also flying drones over the homes and riding ATVs freely into the homesteads from designated roads,” Cody said. “Residents have seen visitors chasing livestock on ATVs, dipping naked in water, hearing gunshots and worrying about their safety. should not be improved.”
catch up:Grand Falls in northern Arizona closed to tourists
Locals are burdened with the task of dealing with tourists who have no qualms about showing up at residents’ homes at any time of the day. Some people seek help with damaged tires after Tourists are also driving too much on highways and trying to clear new roads, unnerving residents and frightening animals.
Grand Falls was previously off-limits to tourists. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit his Navajo nation three years ago, tribal leaders closed tourist sites and rural roads. But residents say the pandemic actually brought in more tourists as many were closed. No one seemed to care that the Navajo Nation was closed.
The recent closures are no exception, with tourists still heading to Grand Falls and ignoring the ‘closed’ signs.
“For generations our people have made offerings and prayers to this sacred site. It is time for the Adahirini to rest and the inhabitants to recover from their trauma and invasive actions.” Cody said.
Navajo President Supports Tourism
The Navajo Tourism Authority has confirmed that Grand Falls is closed until further notice.
The Navajo Nation Council and chairman Christine Curley did not respond to requests for comment.
Navajo Nation President Vuu Nygren has not spoken to the community about the closure, but said he supports tourism.
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At the February Navajo Tourism Conference in Twin Arrows, Nygren said it was time for the Navajo to get fully involved in the nation’s $1.1 trillion tourism industry. Three years ago, more than 4.5 million tourists visited the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley during the ongoing pandemic.
Nygren said being creative is a must, but part of that is keeping sacred places sacred, untouched and unphotographed when necessary, and the Navajo He listed what he sees as the positive aspects of a booming tourist destination: improved road infrastructure, housing for employees, and more. Many stores, internet connections, and other amenities that encourage the Navajo to return to run these businesses.
He said too many Navajo areas and sites are closed because of COVID-19. Tourism is an industry that promotes itself through social media. Instagram already has a lot of stunning and beautiful places like Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. The Navajo government will benefit from tourism through the protection of jobs, tax revenue, language, culture and way of life, and provide a way for Navajos to return home and return to high-paying jobs and businesses, he said.
Byron Shorty, communications director for the Navajo President’s Office, told the Arizona Republic: “The community has chosen to close this area. However, there are opportunities for people to visit throughout the West.”
Grand Falls is hugely popular on social media, with images of the attraction appearing on Instagram and Tik Tok, making the site famous as a destination in Arizona where you can take photos and make videos for free. is increasing. But the elders have been grappling with the issue for decades, even before social media drew large numbers of tourists to the area.
“We ask the public to respect the decisions of local residents in closing Adahilini/Grand Falls or they will be asked to leave the area. ‘ said Cody. “Signs have been posted announcing the closure to all visitors and non-residents. Please be a good relative and allow the land and community to recover at this time.”
Arlyssa Becenti covers Indigenous Affairs for the Republic of Arizona and azcentral.send ideas and tips arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com.
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