History :

Window Rock, the Navajo Nation capitol is within the Saint Michaels Chapter area. Technically, an administrative area, like the District of Columbia, was withdrawn for governmental operation by BIA. This administrative set-aside was needed to accommodate the growing government programs under BIA, IHS, and the Navajo Nation. Within the administrative area government offices have been built, including staff housing, emergency response facilities, law enforcement building, and other governmental facilities. Most of the stone-mason buildings, including the tribal council chamber, were built by the BIA during the 1940s to the 1960s. Certain tribal operations and programs since the 1970s have taken over some of these buildings. One of the two Navajo Tribal Administration Complex buildings was constructed around 1978; while the next one was built a few years later. In total, the complex had planned for four other buildings, including a new council building. Of the five planned office buildings, one was intended for IHS and BIA. These federal agencies have since moved away from the administrative area. IHS built its own headquarters in St. Michaels in the 1980s and BIA moved most of Regional operations to the Gallup Federal Building, which was also the result of "down-sizing" and the contracting of programs to the Navajo Nation under the Indian Self-Determination Act.

The chapter was involved with the Navajo Nation in establishing the Chi'hootso Shopping Center. The shopping center has been very successful. In 1994, the Fed Mart Shopping Center finally closed doors after operating in Window Rock for over 30 years.

"The voice of the Navajo Nation" - Navajo radio KTNN broadcasting studios are situated in Window Rock, north of the Window Rock Shopping Center. KTNN "hit the air waves" in February 1985. It was the last of the 50,000-watt AM radio stations that could be authorized by the Federal Communications Commission in the entire country. KTNN covers most of the four-corner states during the day. Nighttime broadcast signal covers most of the western US. KTNN's two stereo towers are erected at Sawmill. KTNN's FM counter-part, 100,000-watt KWRK, started operations in 1996. Its transmission tower is set up at Hunters Point. Due to the remoteness and vastness of the Navajo Nation, and barrier to the English language, the Navajo people rely heavily on the spoken word, thus they treat radio as their main source of information and entertainment. Due to the lack of electrical utilities in the remote areas, portable, battery-powered radios remain valued household items, many folks stay "in-tuned" while managing farm and ranch work.

The Chapter attempts to help its youth by facilitating programs in employment and recreation. The various Tribal programs like the scholarship or summer employment can accommodate not all students.