Navajo Nation Plans New Gaming Facility Near Flagstaff

The Navajo Nation has announced a significant step in economic development with a new gaming facility near Flagstaff.
This project, located on newly acquired trust land, promises to create jobs and provide vital economic benefits for the community.
Backed by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE), this initiative also supports relocated Navajos through direct leasing revenues.
Discover how this venture reflects the Navajo Nation’s commitment to growth, empowerment, and honoring its federal trust agreements.

Navajo Nation to Develop New Gaming Facility on Trust Land Near Flagstaff

Key Points

1. Navajo Nation to build a gaming facility near Flagstaff on 13.8 acres of newly acquired trust land.
2. The project will create 100 jobs and contribute leasing revenues to the Diné Relocatee Fund.
3. The development highlights federal and tribal cooperation to advance economic opportunities for the Navajo people.

The Navajo Nation, in partnership with the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE), has announced plans to develop a new gaming facility along US Highway 89 near Flagstaff, Arizona. This exciting project will take place on 13.8 acres of trust land, which was officially secured through a General Warranty Deed signing.

A Milestone for Economic Growth

This initiative is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, including the creation of 100 jobs and additional revenue streams for the Navajo Nation. President Buu Nygren, speaking at the deed signing ceremony, emphasized the importance of this development:

“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.”

The revenues from leasing the facility to NNGE will directly support the Diné Relocatee Fund, assisting Navajos impacted by forced relocation under the Settlement Act.

NNGE’s Commitment to Community

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, which operates four casinos in the Southwest, will manage the project. With 85% of its employees being Navajo and an additional 5% from other tribal communities, NNGE exemplifies the Nation’s dedication to fostering tribal employment and economic empowerment.

“NNGE’s efforts directly benefit the Navajo community, creating sustainable jobs and contributing to critical funding for relocation support programs,” President Nygren added.

Historical Significance of the Land Acquisition

This trust land acquisition marks a significant milestone for the Navajo Nation. The 13.8 acres near Flagstaff are the first lands placed into trust since 2016, when 85.68 acres in Tse Bonito, N.M. were secured.

The signing ceremony, attended by federal and tribal leaders, underscores the ongoing collaboration between the Navajo Nation and the U.S. government. Key attendees included:

• Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.
• Bryan Mercier, Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
• Crystalyne Curley, Navajo Nation Council Speaker.

During the event, Assistant Secretary Newland reaffirmed the federal commitment to supporting the Navajo Nation’s economic development initiatives.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

The new gaming facility reflects the Navajo Nation’s strategic vision of leveraging gaming operations to support long-term economic growth. Beyond job creation, the project:

• Bolsters tourism in the Flagstaff region.
• Strengthens tribal sovereignty through trust land development.
• Addresses historical injustices by using lease revenues to support displaced Navajos.

President Nygren highlighted the Nation’s focus on balancing economic opportunity with cultural preservation, stating:

“This facility is not just an investment in gaming; it’s an investment in our people and our future.”

The Navajo Nation’s announcement of a new gaming facility near Flagstaff marks a pivotal moment for economic development and tribal empowerment. By creating jobs, supporting displaced Navajos, and fostering collaboration with federal agencies, this project demonstrates how trust land acquisitions can serve as catalysts for meaningful progress.

As the Navajo Nation continues to expand its gaming enterprise, the focus remains on aligning economic growth with cultural values and community well-being. This gaming facility is not just about entertainment—it’s about creating a brighter future for the Navajo people.