Letter: Newly renovated chapter house is for all people

To the editor:

Last week's edition of Navajo Hopi Observer featured a story on the Leupp Chapter House ("Leupp Chapter celebrates renovation project" by S.J. Wilson in the Nov. 19 issue). The story quotes Council Delegate Leonard Chee stating he would like the people to take care of the new building since its home for the whole community.

During the dedication, Mr. Chee said the new chapter house should not be used for song and dances or other social events (such as bingo, etc.) due to the fact that he doesn't support those events.

I don't understand Mr. Chee or the Leupp Chapter officials' positions sometimes. They say one thing and reverse their position later on. One example is when the chapter officials - including the council delegates - say that we should respect our elders. But they do not practice what they preach. We have directly impacted elders in Canyon Diablo who oppose the casino plan, but to this day, the chapter and delegates continues to seek plans of opening a casino against the wishes of the elders. These are the very people they said we should respect.

So which is it? Respect for elders or another casino.

To say the chapter house is for everyone. It should be available to everyone no matter what organizations or groups they are affiliated with and as long it's cared for by the groups hosting the events. I fully support the bingos and song and dances. I can't wait for the first one to be held in the newly renovated chapter house.

Calvin Johnson

Leupp, Ariz.

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