On September 27, 2024, a significant milestone unfolded three miles south of Page, Arizona, where leaders and community members gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the highly anticipated Horseshoe Bend Development Project. The public ceremony, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Arizona time, marked the start of a transformative project that promises to elevate the region’s economic profile, create thousands of jobs, and boost the Navajo Nation’s presence in the global tourism industry.
Shuttles were provided to transport attendees through the sandy terrain and red rock landscape to the site, underscoring the remote yet promising potential of the land. This ambitious development includes a luxury 5-star resort, cultural center, and a retail center spanning 120,000 square feet—an investment that is not only about building infrastructure but also about honoring the heritage and traditions of the local community.
A Symbol of Resilience and Perseverance
The ceremony featured a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the future. Tom Manson, father of Otis Manson, a leading force behind the project, reflected on his deep connection to the land: “I used to herd sheep here. I had no idea I was living next to a gold mine!” He added with reverence, “The only way this project was able to get here was by living the teachings of the way of life. When I was growing up here, there was nothing.”
The development is more than just a business venture for the Manson family—it’s a deeply personal endeavor. Otis Manson, CEO of Horseshoe Bend Holdings, expressed his appreciation for the support that has helped the project come this far, despite years of regulatory challenges and setbacks. “This is a big step forward for our project,” Manson stated, thanking Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren’s administration, as well as key contributors like Chris Deschene, Stewart Kelly, Matt Turner, and Felipe Gonzalez.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
The project’s success is a testament to resilience in the face of stringent federal regulations. As Navajo Nation Council Delegate Otto Tso explained, “Because of all the CFR regulations, it’s been really hard to get economic development projects here. This project went through three administrations to get to this point.”
Chris Deschene, Lead Attorney for Horseshoe Bend Developments, commented on the difficulties of navigating Tribal regulations such as obtaining environmental clearances for such an expansive project. He recognized ETD, Inc., led by LeChee native Eunice Tso, who completed the project’s Environmental Assessment.
The sentiment was echoed by Michael Anderson, Executive Division Director for Public Safety on the Navajo Nation: “At times we get dissuaded by others who say, ‘You can’t do that’ for whatever reason. But the fact that we are here today shows that we are here to make sure economic development occurs on the Navajo Nation.” He described the development as “an awe-inspiring destination,” one that will showcase Navajo talent and culture, and attract tourists from around the world.
A Game-Changer for the Local Economy
The closure of the Navajo Generating Station (NGS) in 2017 was a devastating blow to the region, eliminating around 700 jobs and contributing to a $51 million loss in annual revenue. The Horseshoe Bend Development Project is positioned to fill this economic void, potentially generating over $14 million annually for the Navajo Nation and creating up to 3,000 jobs. “This is an area that needs jobs. We want to bring our families back,” President Nygren emphasized.
Beyond employment, the project is expected to boost scholarship funds, infrastructure improvements, and community investments. Nygren projected that once completed, the development could attract an additional 1 million visitors annually to the Navajo Nation, bringing the total to over 3 million. “Not only is this project going to promote Navajo Nation, it’s going to promote our culture and our beautiful landscape that we enjoy each and every day,” he stated.
Community-Led and Culturally Rooted
“This is an all Navajo-led initiative,” President Nygren highlighted, emphasizing the significance of Navajo leadership in such a large-scale project. He praised the development team’s ambition: “You want to raise how many millions of dollars? You want to invest it here on Navajo?” The project’s scope—spearheaded by community members—will not only set a precedent for future endeavors but also demonstrate what can be achieved when Navajo people are at the helm.
The development also serves as a symbol of hope for other large-scale initiatives on the Navajo Nation, illustrating what can be accomplished despite the hurdles of complex regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic red tape. “A lot of our relatives who build skyscrapers and major projects across this country are going to want to come here, weld here, frame here, and pour concrete here,” Nygren said proudly.
Looking Ahead
As the groundbreaking shovels pierced the sandy earth, the ceremony’s atmosphere brimmed with anticipation for what lies ahead. Leaders, community members, and visitors shared a collective vision: to transform the picturesque land around Horseshoe Bend into a world-class destination that balances growth with cultural integrity and environmental stewardship.
Anderson summed it up best when he said, “This is going to put LeChee and Navajo Nation on the map to show what we can do for tourism, employment, economic development, and growth.” As the construction begins, the promise of revitalizing the local economy while preserving Navajo traditions is poised to become a reality, marking a new chapter of prosperity for the community and beyond.
A New Era for Horseshoe Bend
With over two million tourists visiting Navajo Nation each year, the Horseshoe Bend Development is set to capture the imagination of global travelers and redefine economic opportunity for the region. As Tom Manson poignantly expressed, “When I was growing up here, there was nothing.” Now, this ‘nothing’ has the potential to become a beacon of possibility for future generations.
ETD, Inc. developed the project’s environmental assessment and is proud to be a collaborator with the Horseshoe Bend Holdings Development team!
For more information, check out the project’s website at https://hbhdevelopments.com.
Learn more about the Horseshoe Bend Development Project’s announcement at the 6th Annual Navajo Nation Economic Summit: https://etd-inc.com/navajo-family-reveals-big-development-plan-for-horseshoe-bend/
Additionally, a digital flythrough video was posted on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7FsLJcHrm8&t=65s