[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 125 (Wednesday, August 1, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S10601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   15TH ANNUAL NAVAJO FAIR AND RODEO

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, almost 40 years ago, the Ramah 
Navajo School Board was incorporated in New Mexico as a means to 
provide education, health, job training, and social services to the 
Ramah Navajo people. This private, not-for-profit group was created in 
1970 and has since strengthened the community through its involvement. 
As they have done for the past 15 years, the School Board organizes a 
fair and rodeo as a celebration of Ramah Navajo culture and the culture 
of New Mexico.
  To name a few of the events this year, there is a Pow Wow, kid's 
carnival, traditional dance performances, and roping competitions. I 
want to recognize the Ramah Navajo School Board, Inc., and their 
efforts to promote these public events, specifically the landmark of 
the 15th annual Ramah Navajo Fair and Rodeo. These events strengthen 
bonds in the community with the people and their traditions.
  Because of their location and separation from the contiguous Navajo 
Nation, the Ramah Navajo community stands on a mission of self-
determination and self-reliance, setting up programs like the School 
Board to deal with all their people's needs. The Ramah Navajo School 
Board helped create the first Indian-controlled contract school in the 
United States, currently educating 600 students.
  I would like to bring to the attention of the country how the Ramah 
Navajo people have kept their cultural identity strong while building 
on their community through events like this fair and rodeo.

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