OVERVIEW

Located in the north-central region of the Navajo Nation, the chapter spans the border between Arizona and New Mexico, approximately 28 miles southwest of Shiprock, New Mexico. The chapter encompasses an area of 221,351 square miles. Its neighboring chapters include Shiprock to the east, Sanostee to the southeast, Cove to the west, Sweetwater to the northwest, and Teec nos pos and Beclabito to the north.

The Red Valley Chapter area is part of the original treaty reservation established in 1868 (Navajo Land Administration). The Red Valley Chapter was officially established and certified in 1957, with the Cove Chapter seceding from Red Valley Chapter in August 1981, which resulted in a reduction of the Chapter’s land size by 50,771.5 acres.

Previously recognized as a semi-arid community, Red Valley is situated between Carrizo, Lukachukai, and Beautiful Mountain, benefiting from abundant sunlight, low humidity, and an annual precipitation of less than ten inches. This chapter identifies with the communities of Mitten Rock, Red Valley, and Oak Springs, and changed its name to Red Valley to distinguish itself from another Chapter located south of Gallup, New Mexico.

As of October 2023, Red Valley had over 900 registered voters. Although the community’s population faces a lack of job opportunities, many family members and relatives reside elsewhere. Additionally, numerous local citizens were impacted by exposure to uranium mining activities that occurred from the 1950s through the 1980s.

In the Red Valley Chapter region, 73.1% of residences have access to running water, and 85.7% are equipped with electricity. The community’s historical reliance on livestock for income has diminished, although traditional arts and crafts continue to hold significance.

In 2004, a high school catering to grades nine through twelve was established to complement the three housing tracts of the Navajo Housing Authority, which comprise 54 units