Klagetoh (Leegito) Chapter House National Historic Landmark Nomination

Simmons, R. Laurie; Simmons, Thomas H.

This document is the National Historic Landmark (NHL) nomination for Klagetoh (Leegito) Chapter House in Klagetoh, Apache County, Arizona (Navajo Nation). The NHL nomination for the Klagetoh (Leegito) Chapter House documents its national significance under NHL Criterion 2, NHL Criteria Exception 8 as the resource best representing the public life and nationally significant activities of Annie Dodge Wauneka. The second and longest-serving woman elected to the Navajo Tribal Council (1951-1979), Wauneka devoted her life to the betterment of her people. Respected around the world for her tireless work, eloquence, and forthright courage, Wauneka drove thousands of miles across the Navajo reservation to listen to the concerns of her constituents; educated and communicated with the Navajo people (Diné) in their homes and at public gatherings; traveled dozens of times to Washington, D.C., to confer with presidents, members of Congress, and heads of government agencies on issues impacting indigenous people; participated in the creation of the modern Navajo Nation through her efforts on a wide range of critical issues; inspired and empowered other women; and saved thousands of lives in her quest to better the health and well-being of Native Americans. The period of significance extends from 1963 (the completion of the chapter house) to 1979 (Wauneka’s departure from public office), a time less than fifty years before the present. Criteria Exception 8 is met as Wauneka’s extremely close association with the chapter house and her nationally significant public life extended to the end of her time in public office.

Klagetoh (Leegito) Chapter House National Historic Landmark Nomination

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