FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Elrena Mitchell

Navajo Nation Tech Team

928-871-6685

E-mail: elrena_mitchell@nndes.org

Marie Groark

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Phone: 206.709.3400

E-mail: media@gatesfoundation.org

January 16, 2004

Navajo Nation Celebrates Impact of Technology Programs in Community

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Representative Visits Navajo Nation

WINDOW ROCK – Sylvia Mathews, executive director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will visit Navajo Nation on January 26 and 27 to see public access computers installed in chapter houses and to meet with Navajo leaders and community members. The Navajo Nation has worked in partnership with the foundation since 1998 to help ensure that Navajo communities have access to computers and the Internet.

The media and the public are invited to hear a presentation from Mathews, other foundation representatives and the Navajo Tech Team at the Navajo Nation Museum, 2 – 4 p.m., on January 27.

“It has been our honor to work with the Navajo Nation since 1998 to help establish access to digital information and technology that can help Native communities increase education opportunities and preserve local culture and heritage,” Mathews said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact that access to computers and the Internet is making on the lives of children and adults on Navajo,”

The foundation has provided Navajo Nation with approximately $5.9 million in grants to supply computers and printers; Internet connections; and training. Today, there is free access to computers and the Internet at all 110 chapters in the Navajo Nation. The computers are used by community members of all ages. Children use the computers to learn basic computers skills and to access programs that enhance understanding of the Navajo language. Students use the computers to research school subjects and to improve their education. Adults use the computers to communicate (e-mail), to research employment opportunities, continue college education through established long distance learning programs, and to establish their own businesses.

“Free public access to computers and digital information is a critical element of the Navajo economic development efforts. This technology helps families access new opportunities and information, yet can also be used to preserve their heritage and culture. Additionally, Navajo students can access a world of learning and information without having to leave the reservation,” said Ronnie Ben, Executive Director, Division of Community Development, “We must continue to work together to support public access computers so all Navajo will have access to the latest learning tools.”

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Native American Access to Technology Program provides access to digital information, tools and technology that will help Native communities improve education opportunities for community members and preserve local culture and heritage. The program works with 42 tribes in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah and all 110 chapters of the Navajo Nation, making grants to 161 different sites.

###

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is building upon the unprecedented opportunities of the 21st century to improve equity in global health and learning. Led by Bill Gates' father, William H. Gates Sr., and Patty Stonesifer, the Seattle-based foundation has an endowment of approximately $25 billion.