commenting on the walk, a navajo spokesman said, "we are honored to be a part of this historic event and showcase the beauty that exists on navajo country," and said he expected the event to boost tourism. tribal president ben shelly said he was grateful for the publicity. "it’s exposing what a beautiful land we have", he said. "another nation exists, and it's the navajo nation." however, a group of navajo and other native americans protested the event saying the tribe should not be promoting the risking of human life to promote tourism. the navajos did not charge for the use of the site, but discovery did pay for the paving of a new road and parking lot to accommodate spectators.