Shiprock. (Farmington, Navajo: houses, dorm, unemployment)

[K-Luv]

Hi, a friend of mine is moving to Shiprock in two weeks sight unseen. She will be doing public health work with White Mountain Apache and Navajo. She applied for the job a few weeks ago and was iffy, going back and forth. I thought she decided not to do it, then the job offer came through and she accepted, literally, this morning.

Any advice, tips, warnings I can pass along to her? On a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being knows it well, she is at about a 2 in regards to knowing anything about Shiprock or the area. For the most part, she knows it is in New Mexico, close the Grand Canyon, and has a giant rock.

Thanks!

[K-Luv]

She has the option of living on the Reservation or perhaps Farmington.

[NMHacker]

Farmington is probably going to be her best option for finding housing.

[K-Luv]

What can she expect? I know that is a broad question, but anything from safety to entertainment would be helpful.

Thank you.

[Zoidberg]

This thread did the subject pretty well:

job-offer-shiprock-nm

[N8!]

From the movie "Off the Map." I find it is so true.

“Mr. Gibbs, New Mexico is a very powerful place. Often, when people first get here, it's a little overwhelming.” ~Arlene Grodin

[joqua]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

She has the option of living on the Reservation or perhaps Farmington.

Has she been TOLD that there is housing available for her on the reservation?

If not, she may find out there is NOT housing available for non-tribal members on the reservation.

If there is housing on the reservation, I'd take that option over commuting from off the reservation. Use the commuting for traveling during off days to do shopping and such and put up with reservation life during the work week - at least until such time as the person becomes acclimated.

[stasi_crystals]

I would not live in Shiprock if I were her. Its not very safe and there's no entertainment at all other than drunks getting arrested. Just entering Shiprock and seeing the unfinished homes that got vandalized so much they stopped construction makes it depressing. If I had to I would live in Farmington.

[K-Luv]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

She is going to look in Farmington.

[naport]

I worked in/around Shiprock for about 3 months several years ago. Lived at the medical center dorm housing until I got a chance to do a housesitting job up in Cortez, CO. I remember it as an easy commute, and Cortez was just fine. She might want to check that out as a place to live too? Lots of wonderful scenery all through that area. The landscape surrounding Shiprock is beautiful, if otherworldly, to my way of thinking. It's lovely to bike around off-road (be sure to slime the tires.) And take lots of water. If your friend eats meat, suggest that she get a mutton and green chili taco at the open-air market.

This was years ago, but I remember Shiprock quite fondly, despite its serious problems related to poverty and unemployment and the marginalization of a culture. It is a very interesting place for public health work, both in Shiprock as well as in the outlying areas. If your friend is adventuresome and open-minded and likes the outdoors and is ready for some culture shock, which she probably is given that she applied for/accepted this job, she should be fine. Go visit!