CONTACT: Daniel Vandever, PIO
Phone: 928-871-6647
Email: dwvandever@gmail.com

Appreciation Gift presented to Arvin Trujillo from Parks & Recreation Department Manager, Ray Russell on June 24, 2010. (Photo by Geri Hongeva) For more photos,click here

The night belonged to Trujillo

FARMINGTON, NM. – Thursday, June 24, 2010 marked the beginning of a new season for Mr. Arvin Trujillo. His farewell banquet was held at the Farmington Civic Center on behalf of the Navajo Division of Natural Resources. Mr. Trujillo has since accepted a position with Arizona Public Services. His influence with the Navajo Nation began 11 years ago and will no doubt continue for years to come.

It is the end of an era, but this night belonged to Trujillo, one might go as far to say the decade belonged to Trujillo. The Navajo Nation was introduced to acronyms such as: KRA’s; KPI’s; BHP; AML; SAS. Without knowing what these meant, the leaders of the Navajo Nation followed him blindly into uncharted territory.

They saw this charismatic voice engage in meetings with the Secretary of the Interior; the US Senate; Oil and Gas Moguls; Energy Giants; all with ease. He negotiated in 11 years what most leaders do not accomplish in their lifetime.

He created partnerships with the USDA; established the Navajo Nation Washington Office; The Navajo Nation Museum was established under his supervision; The Parks and Recreation department’s infrastructure was given a solid foundation; He secured water rights for the Navajo people; Negotiated the Gallup/Navajo water Pipeline; Dealt with Grazing Issues; Tribal Ranches; Secured the permits for Fire Rock Casino; Established the first Department of Natural Resources Conference in Santa Fe…among other things.

Many of these accomplishments have met controversy along the way and perhaps will in the future, but no one can dispute the speed and determination put forth by Mr. Trujillo. He did, in fact, accomplish the impossible. And the guest speakers testified to these facts. President Joe Shirley made the trip back from San Francisco after negotiating a $60 million deal to establish new facilities and services for the Navajo people on the reservation. He presented Mr. Trujillo with a beautiful Chief’s robe.

This was just the beginning. He was showered with gifts and honored with words. Mike Halona, director of the Navajo Land Department led the barrage with jokes of loving sincerity; EML’s Madeline Roanhorse spoke of his accomplishments; HPD’s Audrey Roberts contributed; Archeologist Linda Laughing followed; Fish and Wildlife’s Gloria Tom came next; Forest Manager Alex Becenti offered some dry humor; Resource Enforcement’s Chief Leonard Butler added his experiences with Trujillo; Navajo Nation Museum Director Manuelito Wheeler also contributed some laughs to the evening.

“That’s the guy, he’s the ‘Stimulator’,” chuckled Mr. Fred White, Director of Department of Natural Resources, referring to Trujillo’s knack for obtaining stimulus money.

But as the night came to a close, a small lady with a small voice and a strong message trumped the speeches.

“I did not know that he was that popular. No wonder I don’t see him. I really appreciate all the things you have given him. For those who do not know me, this is my son.”

By the time she finished, there was not a dry eye in the Civic Center. And then came Trujillo.

“I am so overwhelmed. A friend asked me 11 years ago, ‘Arvin you keep complaining about the tribe, why don’t you just get in there?’ I came in with very basic principles: Leave the job better off than when I came in; and to leave our people in a better position to develop themselves.”

“And now is the opportunity for each and every one of you to fly! I have given you the tools to make it work. Now you have no excuses, you know what you can accomplish!”

“Grow, act and develop.” The words rang through the valleys and canyons of Farmington.

Parks and Recreation Department Manager Ray Russell summed it all up with his gift and words of admiration. “We wrapped your gift in Superman wrapping paper, cause that is how we see you. You are our hero”.

###