Rehoboth program gets $150K

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Ethics and Rules Committee approved a $150,000 grant for the Rehoboth Christian School Friday, though concern was expressed that this was starting to look like an annual request.

The funds would be used to support the school's Native American Studies program, said sponsor Andy R. Ayze.

Committee member Duane Tsinigine said the budget calls for the purchase of a new bus and for hiring personnel, but he didn't see anything specifically aimed at the students.

"The money directly enables us to support this program," said Rehoboth School Executive Director Ron Polinder. "It is vital that we budget and staff this properly. The biggest expense always in school is putting the right staff in front of the students."

The school's native studies initiative began in 2001, with a grant from the Christian Reform Church, Polinder said. The school is hoping the Navajos will help to keep the program operating, he added.

"The Christian Reform Church must have changed its policies," said committee member Francis Redhouse.

He said that back in the 1950's it actively discouraged the speaking of the Navajo language and displayed no interest in teaching Navajo history and culture. "That is a true statement. I'm happy to say that is no longer the case," Polinder said. "There has been a shift a major shift in that regard."

"Is this going to be recurring?" Tsinigine asked, referring to the appeal for money.

"Our intention is not to appear before the Navajo Council every year," Ayze said. He said the Rehoboth School will also continue to explore other funding avenues.

"You indicated that you hope you don't have to keep coming back, and that's part of the record now," Redhouse said. "I hope you remember that."

"To me, this is a wise investment," said committee member Roscoe D. Smith. Committee member Joe M. Lee agreed.

"Education, as we've all been saying, is No. 1. I think this is a priority. As a Christian school, I believe the kids will benefit," Lee said. "We need this kind of school on the reservation."

The legislation passed by a 6-1 tally.

The Ethics and Rules Committee also set the agenda for the council's upcoming winter session, scheduled for Jan. 23-27.

In new business, the council will vote on a $2.9 million supplemental appropriation to the judicial branch.

A bill, sponsored by delegate Tom White, to bar council delegates from simultaneously holding other public offices, is also slated to be debated.

Delegate Orlanda Smith-Hodge has also sponsored legislation to rename a portion of U.S. Highway 191 the Navajo Veterans Highway.

Among the oral and written reports to be delivered are those from the office of Congressman Rick Renzi, Apache County Sheriff Brian Hounshell, Navajo Nation Chief Justice Herb Yazzie, Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan and from the standing committees.

— John Christian Hopkins can be reached at 1-505-371-5443, or by email at Hopkins1960@hotmail.com.