View our online calendar and see the events happening throughout the year.

www.redbullairrace.com

Red Bull Air Race
at Monument Valley shown on
FOX Sports
8/26/2007

Red Bull Air Race photos

DISCOVER NAVAJO
February 1-24, 2002
Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah

Celebrating the rich cultures of the Navajo and other North American Indian tribes at this cultural and performing arts festival. Highlights included Native performing artists, a Collector's Fine Art Show featuring 100 of the nation's best Indian artisans and crafts people, Native American Foods Market, Navajo General Store and exhibits that showcase the Navajo Nation today.

PRESS RELEASE

Navajo Nation Gears Up for Historic Olympic Torch Relay by Roberta John

Watch 3min. QTime movie about the Winter Olympics Torch Run at Monument Valley

Olympic Torch Relay - Monument Valley, UT
Navajo Parks and Recreation Director's Welcome
Editorial to the Navajo Times Newspaper
January 31, 2002
By Ray Russell, Director
Navajo Parks and Recreation Department

Greetings to My Navajo People,

On Monday, February 4, 2002, the 2002 Winter Olympics Torch Relay run will pass through Monument Valley Tribal Park on the Nation Nation.

The Olympic Games began in ancient Greece to celebrate the human achievement in athletic development, and the Olympic Flame tradition was created in 1951 to symbolize the undying human pursuit of physical excellence through sports competition. Every four years, as the Olympic Games near, the Olympic Flame is lit on a torch where it sets off on its journey from Olympia, Greece to the host country. In 2002, the host country for the Winter Olympics is the United States, and the host city is Salt Lake City, Utah. After arriving in the United States in Atlanta, Georgia, the Olympic Torch has traveled thousands of miles through many states before reaching us today. It is a day of celebration for us also, as we showcase to the world the beautiful land and culture of the Navajo people! On that day, we will gather to recognize and honor the Olympic tradition of bringing together superior athletes from all over the world to compete in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

The Navajo people and Native Americans revere and respect fire, believing it to embody the fierceness of sacred deities as they permeate all facets of traditional Native beliefs. Our forefathers speak of the sacred flame that one must be extremely careful to handle and to treat with due respect. Failure to do so invites upsetting the delicate harmonious balance between Man and Nature. As important as fire is to our people, fire also plays an important symbolic role in the Olympic Games. Its symbolism is no less sacred as it is carried so carefully that is is not allowed to extinguish. If that should happen, the tradition of the Olympic Games would be harmed. In that manner, our beliefs and those of the Olympics are similar in nature. The Olympic flame symbolizes purity, the endeavor for perfection and struggle for victory. It also represents peace and friendship. In many ways, the Navajo people share these Olympic values.

As we gaze in amazed wonderment at the natural beauty of Monument Valley we can only speculate as to the Creator's intention to bestow on us such magnificent scenery. The Navajo people are very fortunate that the land we have been blessed with also has the respect of people from all over the world. As the guardians of Monument Valley, we are custodians with the immense responsibility to protect and preserve these lands. Our Creator gave us a gift that we must hold dear to our heart forever. As an organization representing the countries of the world, the Olympic Committee's decision to include Monument Valley is their recognition of the need to protect and preserve Monument Valley for all the people of the world for all time.

The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department and the Monument Valley community are indeed honored and gratified that the Winter Olympics has chosen Monument Valley to host the Olympic Torch as it continues on its journey to Salt Lake City. For many of us, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event and we plan to partake of that rare opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event. As Director of the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, I invite the Navajo People to Monument Valley, the 8th Wonder of the World! The spectacular formations will form the perfect backdrop for the Olympic Torch as it travels through the valley where the rocks stand vigilant to protect and ensure the growth and prosperity of the Navajo people.

Let us all stand together as Hosts and welcome the runners, participants and Olympic officials to our country, the Navajo Nation.

Thank you!

Ray Russell, Director
Navajo Parks and Recreation Department