Dec. 27

Photo by Spirit of Sante Fe.

WINDOW ROCK – One of the Tribes enterprise, The Navajo Arts and Craft, a division that promotes, buys, and sells Navajo fine arts pitched the council to help pay for a new building, that would cost $10M-essentially taking the old 12,000 sqr ft building to 38,000 sqr ft. to feature more stuff like weavers, youth activities.

But, the request was meant with some questions from lawmakers, Council Delegate Leonard Tosise who represents Prewitt, Casamero, Counselor, Little water, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, and Whitehorse Lake said the new building was not needed, but a platform where Navajos can sell and buy their craft, possibly online. “The focus needs to be on helping the Navajo artisans,” Delegate Tsosie said.

Some of the board members that chair the NACE (Navajo Arts and Craft) said, “We do need a new building, not only to save money but for longevity,” responded Dempsey, who added that many of the NACE stores are older buildings that have been inherited and come with “substandard” plumbing and electrical systems.

The organization also pointed out they spend ‘enormous amounts of money’ on maintenance to the old building, According to chief executive officer Barbara McGough they already have three approved bank loans to cover the cost, but they would like the Navajo Nation to be involved.

McGough asked if the Nation would consider sharing the cost of guaranteeing approximately $180,000, which would eliminate the need for NACE to find an outside guarantor, or a person or entity that provides assurances that the loan will be repaid.

NACE said they hope to feature Navajo Artist, rug weaving, and youth activities to engage the community and promote Navajo Fine Arts. The Resources and Development Committee accepted NACE’s oral report with a vote of 4-0. According to NACE website, they were established in 1941.