Navajo and Apache Christmas trees

Diné Christmas trees to be sent off tonight

By Cindy YurthThe two Navajo Nation forestry technicians were tasked with picking out 17 perfect piñon pines to grace the U.S. Department of the Interior this holiday season.

The trees will be among 75 "companion trees" to decorate federal offices sent along with the 85-foot blue spruce cut in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest that will be this year's Capitol Christmas Tree.

For the first time since the U.S. Capitol started displaying a Christmas tree in 1964, Arizona was selected to provide the tree. The 75 companion trees come from around the state, with both the Navajo and Apache tribes supplying some of the evergreens.

"It's been exciting to be involved in this event, which makes history not only for Arizona but the Navajo Nation," said Navajo Nation Forest Manager Alexious C. Becenti.Below:  "Navajo Nation Forestry vehicles with flatbeds carrying Christmas trees make their way back to Navajo Route 12 Tuesday afternoon in Milk Water, which is northwest of Crystal, N.M. The trees are part of Arizona's Gift from the Grand Canyon State Capital Christmas Tree 2009. The pinon trees will be given offices in Washington D.C." (Special to the Times--Donovan Quintero)