On the other hand, those of us not living on the Rez don't walk in their shoes. Modernization is by definition a disruptive force, and there is little doubt that the Navajo Nation is going through a disruptive chapter in its history.

For the most part, we can only look in from the outside. Where Flagstaff and the Rez have mutual interests, such as drawing water sustainably from a shared aquifer, the two parties have done the hard bargaining needed to arrive at a compromise. There are other mutual issues that could benefit from conferral and cooperation, including alcohol abuse, casino lighting and cultural protection on the Peaks and elsewhere.

BROADER SHARED INTERESTS

We'd hope, however, that Flagstaff and other northern Arizona communities see a broader and longer-lasting shared interest in a Rez that is much healthier in almost every sense of the word. Much of the friction with bordertowns stems from a Rez that is attempting to co-exist with unequal resources. A region-wide, coordinated plan that supports sustainable tourism, resource use and economic development will lift all boats, including the Rez. We'd urge area elected leaders to keep their eyes on this prize and not burn bridges behind them as they work through short-term disagreements.

Serving this week on the Arizona Daily Sun's Editorial Advisory Board were Publisher Don Rowley, Editor Randy Wilson, and citizen members Joan Brundige-Baker, Rick Lopez, Jim Haslett, and Jean Richmond Bowman.

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