A longtime IBEW leader was joined onstage at the 41st International Convention by a tribal utility official to highlight the work done at the Navajo Nation by Electrical Workers Without Borders North America — and commit to expanding the effort.
“We all take electricity for granted. We just assume that when we turn on a switch, the lights come on. But for millions around the world, electric power is still out of reach,” International President Kenneth W. Cooper said when he introduced EWWBNA President Chris Erikson and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority’s Deenise Becenti, who was there to highlight the Brotherhood’s work with her tribe.
The Navajo Nation comprises 27,000 square miles in northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico and southeastern Utah, roughly the size of West Virginia. Approximately 9,000 families live without electricity, which accounts for 75% of all U.S. households that live without power.
“We are bringing power to the homes of Native Americans who have never had electricity, and our IBEW volunteers are making a profound difference in their lives,” said Erikson, a former New York City Local 3 business manager and International Executive Committee chair.
Becenti, the government and public affairs manager of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, the organization the IBEW works with, expressed her gratitude for the union’s continued support with the partnership Naasgo’ Wiring the Navajo Nation.
“In Navajo, we would say, ‘Ahxe’hee Nitsaago – Ta’yisshe’ Ba’he’da’ne’stin Ni’he’Dine’ Ba’ka’o’jee’,” she said, “which means we are extremely grateful and deeply appreciate that you have helped our people.”
EWWBNA was started by International President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill. The nonprofit organization has also worked in countries including Angola, Peru and Haiti.
“The theme for this year’s International convention is befitting: ‘Powering a Brighter Future,’” Becenti said. “It’s a perfect description of what we are trying to do. It’s all about people helping people, neighbor helping neighbor. Through Naasgo’ we are dramatically changing lives — especially for future generations.”
Erikson implored the delegates to donate whatever funds they can, noting that it’s the best way to support the EWWBNA currently. For those who wish to contribute, go to http://ewwbna.org/donate.
The presentation, which included talks by Erikson and Becenti and a short video, followed the delegates’ approval of Resolution No. 2, which supports the work of Electrical Workers Without Borders.
