Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
King on his Throne, Monument Valley, Ariz/Utah..
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Chinle Spire, Round Rock, Ariz.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Cyndie Bransford at the Buzz Worm Arch, Chinle, Ariz.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Lucky Strike Spire, Chinle, Ariz.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Chinle Hospital Crags, Chinle, Ariz.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
The Pope, Round Rock,.....Round Rock, Ariz.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Totem Pole, Yei Bei Cheis, Mon. Valley, Ariz/Utah
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
King on the Throne, Stagecoach, Bear and Rabbit, Shang-gri-la, Monument Valley, Ariz/Utah.....
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Los Gigantos, Round Rock, Ariz.
|
|
Q75
Trad climber
Shiprock, NM
|
|
Hello All!
I finally got thru. I totally forgot I had this account so thanks to Weezy for reminding me.
Also thanks to Todd Gordon for informing me about this ongoing thread.
Thanks too to Alex Pina for your input as well.
I'm on my mobile device and am glad to take questions and concerns but wont reply until tomorro on my lappy top.
With all I've read, I'd like to express a big thank you to Mr. Jason Haas for his submitted story and not giving up for it was turned down by another magazine. If it weren't for him having the right attitude and nerve, I wouldn't be here replying to all you fine folks.
I'm the injun that guided Mr. Haas and others around here on our reservation. All the climbs we did, I sought out permission for every one. I also welcomed them in my home as well as to our ranch and as they know, they are and will always be welcomed back for future adventures.
I want to put all this speculations to rest as well. I am not affiliated with any authoritative body of our tribal government except that I am a registered member of the tribe.
Let me begin by stating that I am a fellow rock climber. I enjoy being out where nobody dare hoes or where the few have gone. Even though a member of my tribe released a statement in the past regarding a no climbing rule, I only took that for our parks overseen by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Dept so yes, even for me, I will not attempt Spider Rock or anything in Monument Valley. I will though keep trying to get legal passage to those arras but for now, I have enough respect for the wishes by my tribe as well as fellow members of my tribe.
With that stated and as far as I'm concerned, everything is fair game. I do have permission granted by grazing right holders and chapters so with that on my side, I feel that gives me all the access I'll ever need.
Also, in continuing with what my friend and climbing partner Alex stated, we are awaiting the official hard copy of the OK by the current tribal administration in which we had been given an approval to get some of us Diné certified by the AMGA. My only hope is that the release of the current R&I magazine doesn't do more harm than good. I am only here because ROCK CLIMBING SAVED MY LIFE along with my faith but I won't get into that part but let it be known that this kind of activity is definitely an alternative to all the negatives that members of my tribe get caught up in. I desire to get our Navajo tribe to recognize that this is a healthy outlet especially for our youth.
Again, I hope this clarifies some of the questions and rants.
Also, in reference to what Mr. Gordon might have stated, the type of climbing our reservation offers is definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone just starting out. This big boy shizz and we a the Navajo want to keep it that way so leave all your bolts, hammer drill as well as lawn lamps at home. We don't want them nor do we need anymore adjustments to some real adventure climbing.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Quentin throws it down....thank you, sir, for sharing, your hard work to open things up a bit, your welcome arms to the climbing community, your passion for climbing, your passion for helping the Navajo youth, and for keeping it real;.....I look forward to climbing w/you some day, my brother.
Chinle Spire, Round Rock, Ariz.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Greig Arch, Cove, New Mexico
|
|
the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
|
|
Todd those are some awesome photos. How fortunate you have been to know and love the Dineh and experience it in such sacred places. I imagine you made some special friendships during that time.
I believe it would be an intriguing addition to Colorado Plateau climbing if limited, permitted, paid access was available to a few of the spires. But only if this was a even a consideration of the Navajo Nations' residents and the local chapter houses. Maybe a part of the agreement could be that we keep it off sites such as MP, and the magazines and blogs, while limiting the move by move, this cam here, that cam there, watch out 4' runout, sort of descriptions. Maybe keep one last place a tiny bit wild. We're running out of that sort of wilderness and it's all our fault.
Rack: Standard Desert
I have to emphasize this is a delicate proposal. We all need to understand we are dealing with a culture that is historically quite different from us of Western European ancestry. This culture, this nation, these people, this land, is very much worthy of our respect . From my limited perspective, these people have a deep spiritual connection with the land in which they live. A spirituality so genuine and complete that is near incomprehensible for those of us chasing the American Dream. We need to dig deep and we need to pay attention if we are to start barging into these peoples homes.
I'm going to admit it, R&I will have sold another issue as a result of this discussion.
And when I show the magazine to my Navajo brothers it will be with painful shame because I know they will be hurt to see this sort of exploitation of their sacred homeland. We have been throwing our culture into their face for generations, perhaps it is time we show these people some respect and honor.
Edit to add: Q75 I must have been typing while you posted.
|
|
the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
|
|
Leave it to the Arson to throw in some wise cracks. One hint, develop your trolls, your visions, a little deeper and you'd get more positive feedback.
|
|
the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
|
|
rSin wrote:
making as if increased climbers into the territory
the spending of paltry moneys
is a benefit
is like the rapist bragging about
paying long enough on the room
for the girl could take a shower after
There you go. I am seeing your writing on the virtual wall. Thank you rSin.
|
|
fluffy
Trad climber
Colorado
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 2, 2014 - 07:45pm PT
|
Q75!
TFPU and offering your perspective
Glad you started climbing and that it's been a positive influence on your life. It has been for me as well.
Since we have you here, I'm just wondering how you felt Jason's article was presented by RnI and whether or not you agree with this presentation. If not, what do you feel could have been done differently to more accurately describe current conditions on the Rez?
What ARE current conditions there? Are we good to hit you up and accompany you on some spires? Would anyone take offense to it? Would it be legal? Morally acceptable?
For me the article raised more questions than it answered. But it did open a discussion about this topic, which I'm guessing was Jason's intent. Appreciate that. I also enjoyed reading about you and your family and I wish the best for all of you no matter how this all turns out,
|
|
the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
|
|
My friends live in an area called Black Mesa, a place where a massive coal formation was found sometime in the last half century. It's too complicated to get into right now, but basically they have been kicked off their ancestral home because there is a massive open pit coal mine munching its way towards their living space. This coal goes to the Navajo Generating Station in Page to produce electricity for many of us on this site. These families have been resisting relocation for over forty years. (Edit to add: not to mention relocation / genocide type efforts for the last 150+ years).
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Thank you for the thumbs up on the pics, Albert. I know you have strong feelings about climbing (and not climbing ) on the Navajo Reservation. I did climb alot there, but it was more like 30 years ago. I feel that Quentin and Alex are better qualified to field your questions and inquires, and they can give you some insight on what is happening today with climbing on the Rez and what is their vision and hopes for future climbing on the Rez..........I can talk about "back in the day" and I can talk of my experiences I had while living on the Reservation;....but as rick d noted;....it's probably a bit outdated and may be way off with what is happening today.
Side note;......I was very fortunate to have had some awesome and wild adventures on the Navajo Indian Reservation;...some of the greatest experiences in my life, no doubt. ,....but it wasn't all fun and games. Teaching and life on the Rez is tough. I made big sacrifices when I left my family and friends. I also saw some nasty ass things related to the poverty and alcoholism that goes on out there;....That being said....I love the place.,,it's magic...
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
Dave Evans just below the summit of The Pope, Round Rock , Ariz.
|
|
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!