Training Navajo Indians as Miners

Abstract

When a mine opens, people must be found to perform all the necessary functions attendant to the mine's operation. Often the local populace is the source of this labor pool. Many of the newer U.S. mines are located in remote, relatively unpopulated regions of the country or regions which are populated by identifiable “special groups” or subpopulations. Utah International Inc., as one of the larger mining companies in the United States, encountered such a special group in the Navajo Indians when opening and operating the Navajo and San Juan Mines in northwestern New Mexico. This paper discusses the problems which arose from differences in cultural, familial, and societal background and experiences from those of the larger American society, how these differences impacted and continue to impact upon training, and the “solutions” by which they were and are handled. An example of such a difference to be discussed is the difficulty getting the desired photography for a visual training presentation. The Navajos believe that a portion of a person's spirit is captured in a photograph and can never be regained; therefore, it is imperative to get the permission of all Navajo individuals who will be in a photograph, slide, or film footage before endeavoring any photography.