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Shiprock... a Closing Adventure

Gary Lee Hicks · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2015 · Points: 12

I wish there was something I could say to help everyone calm down so we don't all start calling each other names. Perhaps just mentioning that there was a body recovered today in the Sandia mtns ( which are also sacred to me ) which may be that of a climber who has been missing for several days might help us all chill out a bit.

Quentin Tutt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 6

Hello All!
I guess this is where I jump in the convo to at least establish some clarity on the issue of the climbing ban bt first let me introduce myself. My name is Quentin Tutt. I am full-blooded Navajo born and raised in the shadow of my beloved'Big Bird'. I too have two summit ascents of SR and have been told that I'm one of the influential Navajo climbers as I am the creator of the Diné Rock Climbers Coalition that can be found on Facebook. So far the group has about 300 members. What we're trying to do is provide the outlet of rock climbing to be made available to young Navajos who want to pursue their dreams of climbing on our own reservation in a respectful manner. I, along with fellow Navajo climber Alex Pina, are in the process of trying to establish a legal means of obtaining climbing permission through our group. We have been in contact with the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation and they are aware we exist and are working out an agreement that'll reword the 'climbing ban' pn their website that'll direct those who wish to climb some of the spectacular spires found on our reservation. While all this is being worked put, my only suggestion is just don't put yourself in a position that's going to jeopardize what we're working toward not only for 'non-Tribal' members but for our Navajo Yoith. If you have any more questions, which I know I will, please be patient in for my response as I have to walk outside my hogan to get a good reception and please stop the bickering about what's sacred and not sacred. To make it clear, as a Navajo, every spire has some significance whether or not it may just be considered just a pile of shit. Just please respect our wishes and we'll all soon get to play freely on these formations in the near future. Respectfully yours, Quentin Tutt quentin.tutt@hotmail.com 5054097572 cell

Mark Dalen · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 1,002

Gary - I just saw that on the news ... here is a link: krqe.com/ap/body-found-in-s…

My Enchanted Mesa story ends with me in the office of the Acoma casino operator & him telling me I will be arrested if I ever set foot on tribal lands again ... that was 15 years ago ... oh well at least they let me keep my gear....

Mark Dalen · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 1,002

Sorry Quentin ... your post beat mine ... kudos to you for your efforts ... some kind of synergy would go far toward granting Shiprock the dignity of a legit ascent ...

Flex · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 1,025

Quentin, thanks for all your hard work and efforts. You should take pride in being a role model and leader for all.

Lee, that sounds like a fun camping trip. Wish I could join you but I have previous plans.
Best of luck to you both.

Mark Dalen · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 1,002

Re: the entire preceding discussion ... let's face it, we'll all do sanctioned ascents if we can ... barring that we'll just do ascents ...

oh, & not spray ...

Healyje · · PDX · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 422
Quentin Tutt 1 wrote:Just please respect our wishes and we'll all soon get to play freely on these formations in the near future. Respectfully yours, Quentin Tutt quentin.tutt@hotmail.com 5054097572 cell
Quentin, glad you showed up and kudos to you for getting things organized and helping folks make it their own.

Actively engaging with and supporting Quentin's efforts and those of the Diné Rock Climbers Coalition will be the fastest way to secure climbing access on Navajo lands for the general public.
Quentin Tutt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 6

Thanks for the support and understanding. Here's what we're up to as far as establishing a nrw sport climb area in Fort Defiance, AZ. So far we've gained a lot of local support to get this area cleaned up and also some donations from some well-known climbers. So far, it's been goin well since began about two and a half months ago. The rock is the same as Shiprock and has the very same feel because I do get flashbacks about being on SR when climbing here. It's definitely been a work in progress and would appreciate any help, especially with bolt hangers. Have any just laying around? Please send our way and we'll definitely give you some credit in helping us establish this location, especially for our youth. Let's get them loving the rez instead of having them become part of the problem down the road. Bolts can be sent toy adress of PO Box 706 Fort Defiance, AZ 86504.

Black Rock Climbing Area

Alex Pina · · Arizona · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 5
Totem Pole 2015, Photo by Quentin Tutt

When we climbed the pole we did it the day time. we did not sneak or hide. we were proud and had a great experience. People did see us! So be careful you will get charges if you are caught!
Noah McKelvin · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 1,500

BOW DOWN TO THE ONE AND ONLY POLE!

Don Ferris III · · Boulder, CO · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 186

Quentin, I'm sure I speak on behalf of all climbers when I say thank you for your stewardship in the matter. It is much appreciated.

If you have the time could you fill us in on the significance of Shiprock to the Navajo? If I remember correctly it's a cool story.

Gary Lee Hicks · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2015 · Points: 12

I am so glad to see we are ALL talking more sensibly. Everyone's posts are bringing us all closer to where we ( and future generations! ) should look forward to :o)

I thank all of you !!!!!!!

Noah McKelvin · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 1,500

Be careful of the WMP out there. It usually sneaks up on you at night.

Mark Dalen · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 1,002
When we climbed the pole we did it the day time. we did not sneak or hide. we were proud and had a great experience.

I suspect this falls under the category of spray ...
Gary Lee Hicks · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2015 · Points: 12

Come on Brothers... Let stop "spraying" each other and do our best to work together. PLEASE! Do like Ninjas do and "absorb the blow".

Quentin Tutt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 6

This is the reason why I changed my focus on our youth rather than on climbers with 'big ego' trips. If you're not gonna appreciate the area and culture, climb elsewhere.

dylan grabowski · · Denver · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 95
Don Ferris wrote:...could you fill us in on the significance of Shiprock to the Navajo? If I remember correctly it's a cool story.
Seconded. I'd love to hear about the history of SR!
Quentin Tutt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 6

Here's the story which I'm happy to read and see that climber Brian Crim has did his homework- brianinthewild.com/tse-bita…

Alex Pina · · Arizona · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 5

We will continue to bridge the gap here on the Navajo Nation! Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement to our efforts. Quentin started this as a Facebook group but We have all built it into something much greater. And it has been a great journey thus far. We have met alot of awesome people over this short time. as a result our efforts for youth development and awareness has sparked and interest with our tribal leader and they see the value in programs like these. This is the only way to accomplish our goals; Quentin and I will be continuing this process. The future is hopeful! CHEERS!

Mark Dalen · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 1,002
Here's the story which I'm happy to read and see that climber Brian Crim has did his homework-

Great TR! Vivid, well documented & with a bit of insight besides ...

I'm with George though, there has to be a huge number of NM/AZ/CO/UT climbers interested in your photos & stories ...

Cheers,
Mark
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
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