There is a very real and near threat to the serenity of the Little Colorado River. This threat, The Escalade Project, is lobbying the Navajo Council to build a luxury resort/tram for tourists within the Grand Canyon.
What is the Escalade Project?
This is a development plan to create a tramway from the eastern edge of the Grand Canyon to the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers down below. The structure is estimated to transport 10,000 visitors to the confluence each day and it would build restaurants, rv parks, hotels, gift shops and water treatment areas on the rim and along the river.
What are the negative effects?
More important than the fact that it’s an eyesore, the confluence is of utmost importance to the spiritual lives and history of the local tribes. This tourist stop will desecrate the scenery and serenity of the place and mar a tribal cathedral. The Zuni, Navajo, Hopi, Hualapai, Kaibab-Paiute, and other native peoples of the region all see this place as tremendously sacred. We encourage you to read more reasons to oppose this project at Save the Confluence, an organization created by Navajos who are against the Escalade Project.
This development is not in the best interest of the Navajo people and certainly not the Grand Canyon.
The protection of this land is of paramount importance. If you too are heartbroken over these events please take part in these things before the deadline of 5:00 p.m. MDT this Friday, September 2nd, 2016:
- Read in detail about the issue
- Reach out to your Navajo friends
- Sign the petition
- Share on social media
Don’t Disneyland the Grand Canyon from Native Voices on Vimeo.