I am highly gratified to see the enactment of legislation that provides funds for construction of facilities for the Navajo Community College. Of This school is unique as a community development aide. The new construction will culminate a long-time dream of many Navajo leaders.
The development of the Navajo Community College is a truly significant achievement for the Navajo people. What has been done in planning and implementing this unique educational program is illustrative of self-determination working at its best.
The special value of this program, as I see it, is its responsiveness to the needs of the community. Navajo Community College is not just another academic institution; it is, rather, a rich community resource of knowledge and expertise which can contribute in many ways to the betterment of the Navajo community. For some students the school will provide the academic foundations which will enable them to go on to other colleges or universities. For many others it will offer much needed vocational-technical training or adult education programs oriented towards the development of work abilities-- with consequent economic improvements for the total community.
Note: The Navajo Community College Act, signed by President Nixon December 15, 1971, authorizes an appropriation of $5, 500, 000 for construction of permanent facilities for the reservation- based school, which is administered by the Navajos.
