New facilities open at Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk

The opening ceremony of the new facilities was in conjunction with Grand Canyon West’s 22nd Anniversary. The ceremony provided a rare opportunity for media and the community to speak with the Tribal Council members, Tribal Chairman and CEO of Grand Canyon Resort Corporation about the vision of the Hualapai Tribe. There were many other representatives of the Tribe’s past, present and future as hundreds of proud Hualapai people were in attendance.

Many Hualapai dressed in traditional clothing and performed ceremonial dances throughout the day. Also during the ceremony, Tribal members who have contributed to the past and present successes of Hualapai Tourism were recognized and honored.

 “The elders are not only representative of our past, but representative for all that are looking for a better future for their families and children. It’s truly an honor to have Christine Cooney cut the ribbon that symbolizes our recent successes,” said Robert Bravo, Jr., CEO of Grand Canyon Resort Corporation. “Our elders have gone through years of difficulties and challenges. Now they are here to see that an independent future for our youth is possible and that the world has cherished the beauty that we have

The Hualapai have been striving for an independent future particularly because before the progress the unemployment rate was in excess of 50%. The reservation is located many miles from the facilities and opportunities of a large city and deciding to move forward with their tourism ventures was complicated and riddled with challenges both internally and externally. However, it was determined a necessary stepping stone. The Tribe uses the revenue from tourism to build a better life for its children and elderly. The proceeds from these endeavors will enhance education, build necessary public buildings and help develop other social services programs.

The new facilities total nearly 20,000 square feet which will double the current amount of available space. The new and improved structures will contain all guest services including concierge, ticketing, gift shop, air tour terminal, hop-on-hop-off shuttle station, espresso bar and café.