Global Citizens Network (GCN) Project Site:
Rock Point (Navajo Nation), ARIZONA
Check Trip Schedule for Trip dates
Navajo Nation
Rock Point is in a remote and beautiful area in the four corners region of Arizona, about a five hour drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is located 50 miles north of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and Chinle, where the closest doctor, hospital, bank and supermarket can be found. The population is widely dispersed throughout the area. Rock Point consists of a Chapter House, where the local government resides, the Rock Point Community School, a gas station/convenience store, a post office, laundromat, senior center, a Church of God church, a Native American Church and the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Church. The population of Rock Point is around 2,600, with unemployment at 60-70 %. Local people enjoy rodeos, sporting events, hiking and horseback riding.
The Navajo Nation consists of about 200,000 Navajos located on 25,000 square miles of land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Navajo families own land-use permits issued by the tribe that allows them to live on a particular piece of land. These lands together make up the Navajo Reservation. About half the people work either as artisans or for the tribe in the capital in Window Rock. Navajo society is matrilineal and homes and occupancy of the land passes through the mothers. The traditional home is a hogan, an octagonal building made of wooden poles, tree bark and mud. The doors of hogans always open to the East to welcome the sun and receive good blessings. Some families still live in hogans and many others have one on their land where they grow corn and raise their sheep.
Community Directed Development
After the Global Citizens Network’s original exploratory trip to Rock Point in September 2001, the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission invited GCN to return. Projects included renovation of Mission buildings, which were constructed in the early 1950s, painting the apartments that house teachers and volunteers, and adding a patio and fence to the compound. Currently, GCN is hosted and directed in project work by the Rock Point Navajo Chapter House. Future projects with them could include painting bathrooms, homes, cleaning farm irrigation systems, and building fences.
Travel Itinerary
Team members meet on a Saturday at the airport in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team then travels together by van to Rock Point. Team members who choose to drive to Albuquerque can follow the van from the airport to Rock Point if they prefer. The next day, Sunday, will be spent meeting community members and participating in community affairs. Monday through Thursday the team will work with the community on any number of projects. Friday may be a day off to explore the area, with departure on Saturday.
Accommodation and Meals
Team members stay in the Chapter House, sleeping on the floor in their community room. (Many bring air mattresses if desired). Most meals are prepared and shared as a team at the Chapter House. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are available on-site. Most meals are prepared communally by the team members. The team eats together, and often shares meals with community members.
Time to Explore
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. Team members have opportunities to hike among the beautiful local rock formations at Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley, which are two hours away. Many team members like to extend their stay in Arizona and New Mexico to explore, hike, and visit other historical sites.
Health Issues
Participants are required to be in sound health. Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand.
Costs
The program cost for this eight day trip is $975. Program costs covers on-site accommodations (lodging and meals), round trip transportation between Albuquerque and Rock Point, training materials, donation to the project,
t-shirt, and a portion of the team leader’s expenses.
Airfare to New Mexico, and costs relating to activities outside of the site, are additional and the responsibility of the individual participant.
All trip related costs are tax-deductible in the U.S.
Discounts available (one per person/group)
For further information contact us:
Global Citizens Network
130 N. Howell St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-0960 or (800) 644-9292
Contact us
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