In an interview for Suite 101, Hualapai member Wilfred Whatoname looks at how the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West will benefit tribal life in remote northwestern Arizona.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk, located at Grand Canyon West, is built on land belonging to the Hualapai Nation. With a population of 2,500, the Hualapai have suffered from poverty and unemployment for decades in this remote corner of northwestern Arizona.

In the year since it opened in late March 2007, the Grand Canyon Skywalk has been a tremendous success. Visitor numbers have quadrupled from 500 to more than 2000 per day.

In an exclusive interview for Suite 101 at World Travel Market last November, Hualapai member Wilfred Whatoname told this reporter how the Skywalk has benefited the tribe, and about their plans for future growth.

Jobs and Training

Job opportunities have been an immediate benefit of the Skywalk. "We've grown from 90 employees to 360 employees at Grand Canyon West," said Whatoname, who works in the resort's Guest Relations.

"A University of Hospitality training program is now being designed around Grand Canyon West," he said. "It will be based in Las Vegas, Peach Springs, and here on site."

Infrastructure and Facilities

About 1,500 Hualapai members live in Peach Springs, the largest town on the reservation. "Less than half the people here are of working age, and many are younger children," Whatoname said.

Thanks to funds from the Skywalk, Peach Springs now has a Boys and Girls Club. There are presently no elderly care facilities, so assisted living is one of the next projects they have targeted, he said.

There are many other needs. Peach Springs doesn't have its own fire station. The closest gas station is 45 minutes away. Water resources are scarce.

The increase in tourism revenue and improvements in infrastructure to accommodate the greater number of Skywalk visitors will bring better living conditions and services for the Hualapai. But Whatoname also noted that they are trying to maintain balance in their land use plan.

Whatoname said that a proposal to bring visitors into Grand Canyon West by tram is at least two years away.

"First we have to get the road paved, and the power has to come in," he explained. "We are testing for solar power and wind power. Just getting water here is a struggle.

"About 4,000 people a day is the estimate we can service at present," he continued. "We're at about 2,000 visitors a day now, so we have some time to get the infrastructure in place."

Visitors' Center and Cinema

The Hualapai have plans for two new attractions at Grand Canyon West. Work is well underway on the Visitors' Center, which will be located alongside the Skywalk. It will be completed later this year.

The next project is a 6D cinema, which they will start building next year. "The films here will use all the senses," Whatoname said. "When they burn the sage, you'll smell it. When they show the river, you'll feel the water."

As the Skywalk celebrates its first year anniversary, the future looks bright for Grand Canyon West and the Hualapai Nation.

To read more of this interview with Wilfred Whatoname, click here.

Read more about the Grand Canyon Skywalk and how to visit.