Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. and Vice-President Frank Dayish,
Jr. took the Oath of Office on January 14, 2003.
In his inaugural speech President Shirley identified his top four goals. These goals are: improving the tribal education system, putting in place a permanent governmental structure, working with other governments to ensure scholarships for students and proper social services, and job creation by making the Navajo Nation "business friendly". President Shirley also encouraged everyone to work together for the betterment of the Navajo Nation.
President Shirley resigned as Apache County Supervisor effective January 21, 2003. Jim Claw, former Apache County District Manager, was appointed to fill the remainder of President Shirley's term.
Grandma Thomas walk
One
of the most noted events in the Northern District of Apache County is the
Grandma Thomas Walk. Seven years ago, at the age of 65, Grandma Marjorie
Thomas began walking to raise money for the young people throughout the
Navajo Nation. The walk begins with a ceremony in Chinle and ends 72 miles
away at the Navajo Nation Capital of Window Rock.
Various groups of young people and adults join Grandma Thomas as she walks through their communities. The Apache County Sheriff’s Office escorts Grandma Thomas along the way. Sheriff Hounshell and deputies also join her as she walks.
The walk is usually expended over a four-day stretch with Grandma Thomas walking approximately 20-miles each day and ending with the remaining 12-miles on the fourth day. No matter how tired she becomes, Grandma Thomas never complains. In fact there is a considerable amount of laughter throughout the journey. Young volunteers collect donations along the way and businesses and individuals make pledges for the walk.
At the end of the trek, the sheriff’s office provides presentations for the youth as they gather to visit with Grandma Thomas. She has requested funding from the Navajo Nation Council to build a youth center in Chinle.
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