Hualapai Skywalk: Grand Canyon now a little less grand

For the record, the Hualapai tribe’s Skywalk on the rim of the Grand Canyon is a desecration.

Who is God’s name decided a glass-and-steel horseshoe permanently jutting out 70 feet over the canyon would add something to this wonder of nature?

Whenever I’m out West, especially at the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley, Arizona, I’m awed first at the majesty of these natural formations. I’ve also been a little proud at how well we humans have been able to protect such massive areas from artificial intrusions.

Proud no more.

Just why did the Hualapai Indians do this?

Frank Warner

Comments

[George]

Michael, you are still sidestepping my question. The point I was getting at is that you demean the white man but hold Hualapai above reproach when do exactly what you criticize the white man for. You've seen "white litter" and consider it your right to make red litter.

The fact is that this was one of the ever dwindling, still pristine natural beauties of this land. This construction violates that beauty. And sadly, this is probably only the beginning. Perhaps even the beginning of the end of the Hualapai people. All of us, regardless of race, religion or citizenry, should want to preserve that natural beauty.

Casinos and gambling are appearing in every state under the guise that they will provide economic benefit for the communities. But, as I'm sure you know, it has been no panacea. This project has come in with similar hype and promises.

The deed is done. Given that, I wish for the Hualapai to indeed benefit from it. I hope that Yellowhawk and Jin aren't the only ones lining their pockets. And I hope that in 25, 50 or 100 years, the Hualapai people aren't asking, "What were we thinking?"

[jj mollo]

Every human action is an exploitation of the environment. There is an inevitable tradeoff between preservation and development. It's interesting to me that everyone wants to draw the line on the other side of whatever it is they want to do. It's hypocracy, isn't it?

I do think that good people recognize when they are being hypocrites and try to hide their shame with anger. They kick up dust and point their fingers. "Look at you guys! You're not so high and mighty. See what you're doing. Whatever we're doing is not nearly so bad."

[N.O.Y.D.B.B]

Who the hell do you think you are?!? I am a Hualapai and you don't know diddly about what is going on in our tribe! Do us a favor and leave us out of your damn politics! When we want your peoples' opinions we'll ask for them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jj mollo]

You seem to be very defensive.

[jj mollo]

Explanation points are bad for the environment, you know.

[Frank Warner]

Hey, N.O.Y., how has that ugly Skywalk affected the employment rate among Hualapai Indians?

[Frank M]

We just completed a fabulous 277-mile river trip down the Colorado River form Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry. We have seen the canyon from the rims and from Lees Ferry many times but seeing it from the river was totally different.

As we cruised along the last part of the canyon, we stopped to look at the controversial Sky Bridge. I doubt that we would have even seen it had the tour guide not pointed it out. From the river, it seemed quite small.

Now my question. How many people will EVER see the Sky Bridge from other parts of the canyon? They would have to either float the river or fly in a helicopter. And if so FEW people see it, why all the concern about desecrating the canyon? All of those buildings and infrastructure at the North Rim and the South Rim have desecrated the pristine nature but millions of people can now enjoy the canyon because of that "desecration". And I doubt that those people are concerned about a tiny (compared to the huge canyon) man-made object protruding from the canyon rim hundreds of miles away.

The Hualapai Tribal members have the same foresight as the early white man had at other canyon overlooks by providing something that tourists can enjoy. So, more power to them.

Suggestion to the Hualapai leaders: Improving road access into West Canyon, not charging an outrageous toll fee, and reducing the entrance fee to the Skywalk would make it much more attractive to a greater number of tourists.

[jj mollo]

That sounds like a wonderful excursion. I'd love to see it myself. I have no problem with the outlook either. In fact, I'd love to see something even more dramatic. The aesthetic impact is always going to be something debatable.

[Frank Warner]

Why not build at McDonald's, with 70-foot golden arches, on the rim? Most people would never see it.

And how many of the Hualapais have found jobs now that this Skywalk has stuck its plastic tongue into the canyon? Has it helped the economy by creating steady jobs?

[MANUEL ALDAY BELLO]

HIM I WANT INFO ABOUT HUALAPAI TOTEMS AND SIBS IM IVESTIGATOR OF CULTURE NATIVE AMERICAN YUMANS

[CJW]

At Grand Canyon, development pits environmentalists against Native American population