“Blanding and Westwater are worlds apart - Salt Lake Tribune” |
| Blanding and Westwater are worlds apart - Salt Lake Tribune Posted: 15 Sep 2010 11:37 AM PDT Westwater • When the Lord spoke to Harry Hutchins on this sacred ground of patched-up trailers and outhouses, he told the aging Navajo to stay in Westwater and pray like his ancestors. So after honoring the sky and Mother Earth, the 74-year-old relies on car batteries to illuminate his light bulbs, hauls water inside for cooking and bathes himself on summer days in the stream at the bottom of the canyon. Tree branches arch over lush grass at that spring, once the only source of water for all those who lived in the Blanding area 100 or so years ago. On the other side of the canyon wall, the years brought modern magic to the pioneer city, as water flowed from taps, toilets flushed and electric lights glowed. About half a mile away, the Navajos of Westwater are still waiting. In what is perhaps Utah's longest, most complex battle over utilities and urbanization, accusations and blame flow freely. People have debated a solution for decades. So 65 years after Hutchins' father brought his family to the region to work for white pioneer families, herding sheep, cutting wood and farming, his elderly son continues to live cloistered from civilization — playing cards by a dim kerosene lamp as the city flips on its lights. — The long wait •. Westwater is hardly a secret. Stand near an ancient pueblo on the grounds of the local museum, and the tops of trailers and aging cars can be seen poking up from the other side of the canyon. The museum's exhibit on Westwater and American Indian history has made visitors weep, as they recognize their own family members in the faded photos. To receive water and utilities, the area needs to be annexed and developed to city standards such as paved roads and fire hydrants. The few dozen residents would have to follow city health and safety codes, from having their garbage collected to putting their dogs on leashes. It would be a radical transformation of this parched, red-clay land ,where Indians have lived for generations, though the Navajo Nation only purchased it in 1986. Story continues below Drive down the road that slices the small community, and roaming dogs emerge from clusters of sagebrush amid scattered homes, some abandoned. Nothing is simple about this tale. Some people fault the selfishness of city politicians for delaying utility improvements. Others say the changing whims of the Navajos stalled progress. Though everyone seems to want water, some residents fear too much involvement by the city would mean losing independence and giving up traditional ways. And becoming dependent also means the potential for burdensome bills. Albert Cly, 71, moved back to Westwater, his childhood home, from Salt Lake City about six years ago. He and his wife, Gladys, purchase city water and have it trucked to the tank near their home for cooking, bathing and drinking. "We ask them for water, they won't let us have a drop," he said, standing by the cool of the Westwater spring. A recent front-page article in The Blue Mountain Panorama announced the opening of the $2 million Blanding water-treatment plant, infuriating the couple, who rely on a solar shower. When Cly decided to return, he was drawn by the peacefulness, the mountains and endless stars. A recent meteor shower became a nightly show, where residents could see four planets simultaneously and watch the space shuttle glide by. Gladys would prefer to go back to Salt Lake City, with its easy access to stores and pancake- and steakhouses. But they live better than some, relying on a solar panel to power their lights, TV, toaster and refrigerator. — Next Page »This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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