Students ask Flagstaff council to support renaming Columbus Avenue to honor Navajo concept of Hozho

Multiple Flagstaff High School students and other community members urged the Flagstaff City Council on Jan. 27 to support renaming Columbus Avenue to a Navajo word expressing beauty and balance.

Tashana Yazzie, a junior at Flagstaff High School, told the council the current name is disrespectful given historical harms and said, "I think the appropriate name to change it is Hajo," explaining the name represents "beauty, harmony, balance, and health." Several other students spoke in support, offering similar testimony and asking council for a letter of support to begin a renaming process.

Anthony Watson, speaking for the Flagstaff Native American Club, said the request is not intended to erase history but to reflect community values: "Renaming the street to Hozho would honor indigenous presence and promote values that align with unity and healing in Flagstaff." Multiple speakers asked for council backing to move the process forward.

City Manager Shannon clarified process and next steps: "This is within the city's purview; this is a decision that the city would make. We don't need to send a letter to the state to change the name of a city street or avenue," Shannon said. The manager said staff would take the comments back, consult with council and bring a formal item forward.

Council members thanked students for participating; one member suggested expediting a staff presentation and follow-up. The recording contains variant spellings used by speakers; staff follow-up should confirm the intended Navajo spelling and consultation with tribal representatives before any formal action.