Black Mesa Cartography Map
In 2024 Tó Nizhóní Ání embarked on a media mission to create the Black Mesa region’s first ever cartography map. Created in partnership with Four Corners Mapping & GIS, this map is more than just a reference—it’s an invaluable resource for Black Mesa. This map will give viewers a glimpse into rural Black Mesa living, which navigates the region’s remote roads and visualizes interconnected water systems and the various overlapping boundaries as we advocate for our rightful access to water. Our goal with this map was to consolidate the various data found within our communities and at the Navajo Nation level for easier access and viewing. Please note that there is data lacking such as accurate water sources on Black Mesa as well as different entities having varying data like Chapter boundaries.
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Tó Nizhóní Ání team members joined Anna Riling with Four Corners Mapping & GIS and 25th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Germaine Simonson for a webinar to discuss the various parts of the Black Mesa Cartography Map. TNA executive director Nicole Horseherder spoke about the Black Mesa Coal Industrial Complex, and Adrian Herder discussed the Chapter Houses/Boundaries, Grazing District 4, Reservation and County Lines. Council Delegate Germaine Simonson spoke on the Black Mesa region’s Navajo Partitioned Lands, Major Roads, and Landmarks. Lastly, TNA community organizer Andrew Atencia talked about the Navajo Aquifer and the waterways on Black Mesa.
Presenters:
- Nicole Horseherder, Tó Nizhóní Ání
- Anna Riling, Four Corners Mapping & GIS
- Delegate Germaine Simonson, Navajo Nation Council
- Andrew Atencia, Tó Nizhóní Ání
Host/Tech Support:
- Adrian Herder, Tó Nizhóní Ání
- Raeanna Johnson, Tó Nizhóní Ání
Interested in a hard copy of the Black Mesa Cartography Map?
If you donate $25 or more to our organization, you’ll receive a 16×24-inch copy of the Black Mesa Cartography Map. *Shipping and handling are included.* Follow the instructions below.
- Step 1: Enter donation amount
- Step 2: Click Donate with PayPal or card
- Step 3: Note “Black Mesa Map” and your preferred shipping address.
- Step 4: Log Into PayPal or enter your card info
- Step 5: Click Donate Now
Webinar Recording
What’s Next?
Now that we have the Black Mesa Map completed, we will be sharing this map with our communities on Black Mesa (Dził Yíjiin). Each of the Chapters on Black Mesa will receive a 24×36 inch copy of this map as well as small paper copies for community members interested in taking a copy home.
If you would like Tó Nizhóní Ání to present this information to your organization or community, please email [email protected]. Ahéhee’!
About Us:
Tó Nizhóní Ání, which we translate as “Sacred Water Speaks,” is a Diné-led non-profit organization from the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation. Rooted in protecting the water source of Black Mesa from Industry use and waste, we’re working to bring power back to our Diné (Navajo) communities impacted by coal. Tó bee iiná. Water is life. Learn more: www.tonizhoniani.org
Four Corners Mapping and GIS is a woman-owned business based in Durango, Colorado. Four Corners creates custom cartography for policy advocacy campaigns and print media, designs interactive web mapping applications and ArcGIS Story Maps, and produces geologic and topographic trail maps. Learn more: www.fourcornersmapping.com
For more information about this map or our webinar, please email [email protected].
