(Gabe Castro-Root | The New York Times) The sandstone formations known as, from left: the West and East Mitten buttes and Merrick Butte at Monument Valley, in the Navajo Nation, Ariz., Oct. 6, 2025.
MONUMENT VALLEY — As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, our film, Valley View Tours, connects to how much our country has changed over the years. America has been through many challenges and has made a lot of progress, but there is still room for improvement.
Looking back at our history helps us understand where we came from and how we got to where we are today. Moving forward, we hope America continues to grow, brings people together, and becomes a better place for future generations.
“Everything is just natural here, and that’s what attracts me to this area here. It makes me feel whole, it makes me feel peace,” said guide Laramie Secondy, in the film. “You don’t hear no traffic, you don’t hear no sirens, you don’t hear someone honking at you, you know? You just sit there and just look and just grasp on what’s around you. ...
“I’m just blessed. I’m just blessed to be Native American and to be living in the land of the living, you know, and just be a part of all this here.”
Note to readers • This contest was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune, Spy Hop and Amplify Utah. It was supported through a grant from the American Journalism Project.