'The Snowbowl Effect' to show on Earth Day

By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

FORT DEFIANCE — In honor of Earth Day, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence Morgan, Iyanbito/Pinedale, will host a screening of "The Snowbowl Effect" at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the council chambers.

Director of the documentary, Klee Benally, and members of the Save the Peaks Coalition are scheduled to attend. A light reception will follow the screening and all council delegates and members of the general public are encouraged to attend.

Benally and Save the Peaks members also will provide information on how to appeal the March 8 decision by Coconino Forest Supervisor Nora Rasure to use reclaimed wastewater to make artificial snow at the Snowbowl Ski Resort located on the Peaks. Rasure's decision came despite heavy opposition from Arizona tribes.

Legislation is moving through the legislative process to reaffirm Navajo Nation Council opposition to further desecration of Dook'o'osliid, or the San Francisco Peaks.

Earlier this month, the Intergovernmental Relations Committee voted unanimously to support legislation sponsored by Black Mesa Council Delegate Amos Johnson which authorizes the Navajo Nation President, Speaker, Resources Committee and the Navajo Nation Washington Office to advocate against desecration of the Peaks.

The committee also passed amendments recommended by the Resources Committee to toughen language in the resolution and to add supporting resolutions from the 1998 Council and the Diné Medicine Men Association.

Johnson said the grassroots people, including himself, view the mountain as a sacred deity. It is also where Navajos get herbs for healing purposes.

The Navajo Nation is situated between four sacred mountains, and each of the mountains have a purpose.

The purpose of Dook'o'osliid is to watch over the people, its government, its laws, and its fundamental teachings, according to Johnson.