The LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation voted unanimously in February to pass a resolution opposing the City of Page’s decision last year to sell 500 acres of recreational land for a $10 billion data center development.

The proposed development site borders the LeChee Chapter, a home to the internationally popular tourist destination of Antelope Canyon. Chapters are political subdivisions of the Navajo Nation that operate on a democratic basis.

“People come to visit for the beauty,” said LeChee Chapter President Irene Whitekiller. “We just want nature, the land, and water. We don’t need a data center.”

LeChee resident Teyana Begay staged protests in Page opposing the data center and said, “Not only will the data center destroy native plants, it will destroy memories we have on this land, which we use to ride horses, dirt bikes, quads, and walk our dogs.”

The resolution states that “the lack of transparency from the City of Page about risks of harm and environmental impact on Navajo people is not being considered in this business transaction.”

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This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.