Sanders, AZ – Nahat’ A’ Dziil Chapter had its ground breaking ceremony today for the New Lands Shopping Center, an estimated 30,000 square foot commercial retail outlet located along Interstate 40 in Sanders, AZ.
The groundbreaking event was hosted on the future site of the planned shopping center. The event featured local chapter officials, business owners and community members. Also in attendance was Mr. Sean T. Henisa, CEO of Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise (NACE), who was invited to give a few remarks on the new development.
Mr. Henisa introduced himself in Navajo and received warm welcomes from the crowd. He expressed his gratitude for being invited to the event and congratulated the community for their accomplishment. “NACE is always in support of new development on the Navajo Reservation and it is a part of our long term strategic planning to encourage development,”
This project will boost economic development in this rural area providing the community with valuable goods and services. Currently the town has a single gas station and a car wash. The closes grocery store is 30 miles North in Window Rock, AZ or 60 miles East in Gallup, NM.
“This groundbreaking clearly demonstrates the economic development possibilities and reinforces the idea that giving back to the Navajo Nation can become a reality,” said Mr. Henisa. “Progress like this will additionally help the economy here in Sanders.” The proposed facility will promote economic independence by creating jobs. Construction of the New Lands Development is expected to be completed in 2010.
In addition, Mr. Henisa touched briefly on the purchasing of a silver fabrication and wholesale business, which would ultimately bring silver back to the border towns and help to preserve the culture and the art of silversmithing. “This culture is so captivating and we can capitalize on the mysticism and love of the Navajo culture,” Mr. Henisa adds.
Lastly, Mr. Henisa talked about the company’s goal of creating and building the “NAVAJO” brand, which would at last utilize that part of the market for the benefit of the Navajo people. Mr. Henisa thanked the crowd for their attendance and the dignitaries for their support.
Planned tenants include a Bashas Grocery Store, Chiropractic Office Space, Laundromat, Apparel Clothing Store and a Convenience Store equipped with a Gasoline Station and Drive Thru Eatery. In addition (2) open retail vacancies are available to interested entrepreneurs, upon completion of the shopping center.
About Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise
NACE is a nonprofit business which is owned by the Navajo Nation. Our mission is to showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the Navajo people, provide raw materials at fair prices to local artisans, and serve as an official marketing channel for legitimate Navajo arts and crafts. Alarmed at the volume of counterfeit products flooding into the Four Corner's region, Navajo Arts & Crafts Guild was conceived by tribal leaders at Fort Wingate, New Mexico in 1941 to protect craft traditions and the livelihood of its craftspeople and artisans. Today, the organization is called Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprises (NACE) and its main office is located in Window Rock, Arizona - the capital of the Navajo Nation. The enterprise remains the official marketing channel of the Navajo Nation for arts and crafts.
