From Vision to Reality, A Veteran’s Dream Comes True With Opening of “Ii’ni Marketplace”

TOHATCHI, N.M. — On October 30, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed the business site lease for Ii’ni Marketplace, congratulating owner Laris Manuelito for advancing a full-service grocery and cultural marketplace in a community more than 30 minutes from the nearest grocery store.

Manuelito, a U.S. Army veteran and former RBDO staffer, outlined a 55,000-square-foot, multi-phase design that blends modern convenience with Diné culture, featuring a glass water-feature entry, vendor bays, and pad space for future storefronts. Her logo incorporates the four sacred colors, mountain motifs, and lightning to honor the site’s history. The store will highlight Navajo-made crafts, ceremonial foods, and Indigenous ingredients, positioning Tohatchi as a cultural hub on the U.S. 491 corridor serving residents and travelers to Shiprock, Salmon Ruins, and Four Corners.

Born from lessons of COVID when border closures exposed gaps in food, water, and health access, Ii’ni Marketplace is also planned with emergency-management flexibility to host medical tenants, water drops, and community relief efforts. Manuelito credited her dedicated team, including Charlene Begayé Platero, Flora, Leonard, Delegate Pernell Halona, architect Tamara Begay (Diné), and advisors Jesse and Jessica (Just Change Lives) for helping move the project forward.

President Nygren praised Manuelito’s determination and reaffirmed his commitment to investing in Navajo communities, noting $162 million in taxes collected this year and setting a long-term goal of a $1 billion annual tax base to strengthen local economies.

Local leaders Tohatchi Chapter President Elvis Bitsilly, Vice President Lee Rogers, and Coyote Canyon Chapter President Sharon Warren joined the event, celebrating this milestone toward greater food access and community self-reliance.