After years of setbacks, a convenience store project in Indian Wells is now underway, marking a pivotal step in the community's journey toward greater economic independence. The groundbreaking announcement came from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, who, on July 25, finalized a contract with Keyah Construction to begin work on the $3.6 million project. This initiative, said President Nygren, is "not just a storefront, it's a symbol of self-determination," according to a statement obtained by the Navajo Nation's official government page.
The development, which was originally conceived in the framework of a larger 25-acre community plan in 2005, has faced numerous obstacles, including the financial strain and planning bottlenecks, not to mention the hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the Indian Wells Chapter officials collaborated with the Navajo Division of Economic Development and the Small Business Development Department to revitalize the effort. Using local chapter funds, they managed to expedite the remaining power infrastructure requirements and catapult the project back into action.
Once completed, the convenience store funded by the Navajo Nation Permanent Trust Fund will feature a deli, post office, and a gas station, operating under the Red Mesa Trading brand. This development is projected to create five permanent jobs and generate an estimated $450,000 in annual tax revenue for the Navajo Nation. A community member highlighted the broader impact of the store, saying, "This is a well-traveled area with people coming from Many Farms, Window Rock, Holbrook, Flagstaff and Phoenix. The store will benefit everyone, not just our community," as reported by the Navajo Nation's official government page.
Dominique Silversmith, the appointed Project Superintendent who happens to reside just two miles from the construction site, will oversee the building operations. In a statement by the Navajo Nation's official government page, President Nygren praised the move by saying, "It’s about building something by Navajo hands, for Navajo families, and keeping dollars circulating within our communities." With contracts signed and all necessary clearances in place, the community braces for construction to begin, with a timetable slated for completion in just over a year.
