Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — During a recent regular meeting, the Resources and Development Committee received an update report on the 2025 Navajo Nation Fair from the Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources and Zion Enterprises, LLC.
The report was presented by DNR Executive Director Mike Halona and Zion Enterprises Managing Partner Carole Holyan. Holyan provided a fiscal and operational overview of both the 2025 Home of the Navajo PRCA Rodeo and the 77th Annual Navajo Nation Fair.
Holyan said despite unplanned facility repair costs that impacted net revenue, the 2025 Navajo Nation Fair generated almost $820,000 in revenue, while the PRCA Rodeo generated over $135,000.
Council Delegate Shawna Ann Claw and RDC Chair Brenda Jesus advocated for greater funding equity among all Navajo Agency fairs, stating that Navajo Nation support should be extended across all agencies. Claw also emphasized the need for repairs and accessibility improvements at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock to better accommodate elders and individuals with disabilities.
“I prefer equity, where funding goes to all agencies,” she said. “Many of the buildings at the fairgrounds are dilapidated and unsafe. I would prefer not to provide funding to an event that is not accessible.”
Council Delegate Danny Simpson also supported equitable funding for Navajo Agency fairs and referenced discussions with Navajo Nation Division of General Services Director Shawnevan Dale regarding the possibility of the Navajo Nation assuming oversight of all fairs to ensure facility safety standards are met.
“We have over 200,000 Navajos attending our fairs,” Simpson said. “These facilities must be safe. The Nation should not be liable for injuries caused by repairs that could have been addressed beforehand.”
RDC Vice Chair Casey Allen Johnson requested information regarding insurance costs associated with the 2025 Navajo Nation Fair. Holyan stated that Zion Enterprises paid approximately $20,000 in insurance expenses. Committee members also questioned the rental rate for the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Rodeo Arena, which Holyan said is currently $650 per day.
Claw motioned for a directive instructing Halona to research and reevaluate rental fees for the arena and return to the RDC within four weeks with proposed updated rates.
Holyan also clarified that event organizers renting the arena are responsible for providing their own insurance, portable restrooms, and equipment such as tractors. She added that Zion Enterprises has worked to reduce operational costs associated with the fair by lowering coordinator expenses and streamlining event operations.
Council Delegate Rickie Nez said that as coordinators of the fair, Zion Enterprises carries the responsibility of serving as stewards of Navajo Nation funds.
“I can understand the amount of liability you undertake in relation to the revenue generated,” he said. “Fairs are not necessarily intended to make money. They are for our people to enjoy.”
The RDC voted four in favor and none opposed to accept the report and approve the directive.
