Boys and Girls Clubs to reopen, president says

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Office of the President announced on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Navajo Inc. to reopen the clubs and resolve several long-standing issues.

A lack of financial agreement between the non-profit organization and the Diné Expansion office resulted in a tug-of-war between the two parties over operations of the clubs, the temporary closure of several clubs in September, and a lawsuit filed against the Expansion Office for the release of $1.1 million in funds.

In the past, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. also voiced his plan to move the 14 reservation clubs under the Diné Expansion Office's administration.

"The spirit is very cooperative," said David Jordan, the non-profit's attorney. "The president and the Boys and Girls Club are really working hard to come up with a written agreement."

According to a press release, a six-month Memorandum of Understanding has been reached to "clarify the role and responsibility of each entity and to provide a transitional structure to address all outstanding issues."

Former chief executive officer of the non-profit's administration, Ray Begaye, resigned last month, not long before an agreement was reached.

"Ray resigned because he believed it would bring the parties together," Jordan said. "Formally, he (wanted to focus) on his legislative duties (as New Mexico State Representative for District Four)."

Begaye was a vocal critic of Shirley's plan to relocate management of the clubs, and stated, in the past, that peacemaking between the parties may be a solution.

As part of the agreement, the non-profit dropped its lawsuit. In return, the clubs will soon reopen, salaries will be paid, and a joint committee will beestablished to address all remaining issues as well as future goals.

"Remembering how well the organization has held together shows how committed they are to the children," Jordan said.

Financial accountability is one long-term goal, he said, and finding the best path to bring dollars directly to benefit the children "is in the spirit of best interest of the children."

Establishing the Boys and Girls Clubs of Navajo, Inc. as anindependent tribal entity is another goal.

It will operate as it does today, but there are certain things, such as grants, available to it as a tribal entity, Jordan said.

"(Shirley) has been working hard in making this happen," Jordan said of the president's efforts. "(The agreement) would not be as far as it is without (Shirley)."

Shirley stated, in a press release, that he is "pleased" by the outcome.

"I have always maintained the need to provide quality services to our children, and I certainly agree that the Boys and Girls Club, in coordination with the Navajo Nation, is an excellent vehicle to do so," he said.