Arizona representatives and the NTU board of regents held a groundbreaking ceremony at the NTU Chinle site along with the National Science Foundation, the Los Alamos Laboratory, and Northern Arizona University.

On October 11, 2022, Navajo Technical University (NTU) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new environmental laboratory in Chinle, Arizona. The funds for the laboratory were allocated when Arizona governor Doug Ducey signed the historic $18 billion budget for the Navajo Nation’s road infrastructure projects, veteran services, housing projects, and tribal education programs.

NTU will construct an EPA-certified environmental lab capable of radiation analysis of soil, water, and air to clean up the toxic uranium processing facilities throughout the region. The lab will also support STEM programs in northeastern Arizona and provide instruments and facilities to train students and encourage research needed to meet the environmental challenges of residents in and around the Navajo Nation.

Dr. Elmer J. Guy welcomed NTU board of regents, guests, the National Science Foundation, the Los Alamos National Lab, Northern Arizona University, and Arizona representatives. Raymond Redhouse conducted a traditional blessing with songs and prayer. There was a warm welcome led by Anson Etsitty, instructor of Diné studies at the Chinle facility, and Rholinda Shirley, who represented Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez. Arizona representatives Myron Tsosie, Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, and state senator Theresa Hatathlie were recognized for their contributions in establishing the Chinle instructional site to serve students from rural communities in the surrounding area and for creating an opportunity for community members to attend and receive a higher education near home. Their work is a significant development in establishing healthy communities and sustainable economies to keep our culture alive and our people on the Navajo reservation.

“The funds will be utilized for students and their education,” stated Dr. Guy. “They prioritize community first with this new building which signifies progress and change for Chinle, surrounding communities, and the entire Navajo Nation. I appreciate our past and present leaders, the NTU Central Agency board, Gloria Grant, and NTU board chairperson Tom Platero, for their commitment and dedication.”