In an event marked by a gentle rainfall, the Navajo Nation officially took ownership of Goulding's Lodge, a historic site nestled in the heart of Monument Valley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 14 saw Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and other dignitaries celebrate this momentous acquisition. "This is a day we’ve been waiting for," President Nygren said, regarding the collaboration's success between the legislative and executive branches that facilitated this deal, as stated by the Navajo Nation Office of the President.

Founded by Harry and Mike Goulding in the 1920s, the lodge is now a world-renowned tourist location, boasting yearly projected revenues between $22 and $31 million, as per the Office of the President. The purchase, finalized in October 2023 for a sum of $59.5 million, was a joint effort between the 25th Navajo Nation Council and the Division of Economic Development, aiming to funnel the income into supporting Navajo programs and bolstering the local economy.

President Nygren, joined by Speaker Crystalyne Curley and members of the Navajo Nation Council, underscored the significance of the acquisition. The deal secures employment for the current Diné staff of over 300 and promises a profit-sharing scheme expected to inject $7.4 million annually back into the Navajo Nation through profits and taxes. The operation and management of the lodges will fall under the Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise.

The strategic purchase also consolidates land holdings near the Oljato Chapter, opening avenues for housing, community growth, and economic and recreational development. "We have a lot of culture, history, land knowledge, and artistry that we share with the world," President Nygren said. "We now have the opportunity to provide an authentic experience, educate our welcome visitors, and provide growth, viable and local opportunities for our communities."