Majerle Lister

Majerle Lister is a Diné PhD candidate at the University of Arizona School of Geography, Development, and Environment. With Dr. Andrew Curley as his advisor, Majerle Lister’s dissertation project, "Thawing land relations: Understanding Diné land politics after a development freeze” examines the forty-three year development freeze and the impacts in a Diné community in the Navajo Nation, Tonalea. The freeze, known as the Bennett Freeze, is the product of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute and was lifted in 2009. Diné community members were unable to construct new homes or buildings, renovate their homes, and to receive crucial infrastructure like water and electricity. The project explores how Diné experienced, understood, and navigated the freeze in their community. It documents Diné community members, government officials, and staff efforts to rehabilitate the Former Bennett Freeze Area in Tonalea after the lift. The awarded funding supports research activities for personal in-depth interviews and focus groups with community members.