Naat’áanii is a group of Navajo people who have worked together since 2005 building the largest waterlines in New Mexico and the Western United States. In 2005 while working on the $500M San Juan Chama water program in Albuquerque, it was explained this program was the result of water disputes and litigation going back to 1901. After San Juan Chama was complete, as compensation for water rights the Navajo Nation would receive a sister program; the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project. At this time the idea was conceived, “nahat’á”. After encouragement from Boyle Engineering, CDM and HDR we established “Naat’áanii” the Navajo word for leader, an experienced Navajo company, owned and operated by Navajos, created specifically to compete and win work on the Navajo Gallup Water Program.