That's a good start. It will take a change in the mindset of the younger generation and leaders to see that emulating what works is the best way to economic self sufficiency.
If you want to win, emulate the winners, not the losers.........
* Napoleon was asked, “Who do you consider to be the greatest generals?” He responded, “The victors.” ....Donald Rumsfeld......
The Navajo rez is like having North Korea inside America. The council regime drives new ford pickups, and wears new clothes, and live in new nice homes, while the people scratch with the chickens for food and existence.
Until the regime is deposed, the reservation lands divided up amongst the people, so that they have something that is theirs, other than the communist mindset of Joe Shirley, the people will not feel any self worth. The rez is rich with minerals, timber, and has some of the most modern farms in the US in the northern part.
Until the average person has the ability to own a piece of that land and raise his own cattle, or sheep or horses, and sell them and make his own way, then he will not develop a sense of self worth. The image that the woman owns the house and the land and the livestock and that the man is a sperm donor is not helping the Navajo culture to succeed.
However,, it seems to me the quickest way to make money other than casinos is tourism, and I mean the big bucks kind. A resort capitalizing on Navajo culture would attract a lot of people who are interested, and especially Europeans.
I wish I had more ideas, because I truly think your heart is in the right place.