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Navajo-Hopi land conflict still stirs hard feelings
Friday, July 7, 2006

Indianz.Com Listening Lounge House Resources Committee hearing on S.1003, the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Amendments of 2005, June 21, 2006. • Introduction - 7:55 - 1.8MB Panel I • Testimony - 5:26 - 1.2MB | Q&A - 30:21 - 7.0MB William Pat Ragsdale Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs Mr. Christopher J. Bavasi Executive Director, Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Panel II • Testimony - 17:26 - 4.0MB | • Q&A - 20:27 - 4.7MB Mr. Ivan Sidney Chairman Hopi Tribe Mr. Joe Shirley President Navajo Nation Mr. Roman Bitsuie Executive Director Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Office

The Navajo-Hopi land conflict was supposed to end when Congress passed a settlement in 1974 that brought about the relocation of thousands of Navajo and Hopi families.

But hard feelings remain, particularly among Navajos. Due to their larger numbers, more Navajo families were relocated than Hopi families.

Some of the Navajos who moved say they regret the decision. They say the land provided for them is not comparable to their old home in terms of grazing and cultural value. They cite a loss of language and tradition and a rise in alcoholism and drug use at their new homes.

On the other hand, many Hopis say they are happy with the effort. Their population has expanded in recent years, allowing them to use their land for housing, business and other projects. But some are worried about lingering animosity among Navajos.

The relocation has cost upwards of $500 million and has taken more than 30 years. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) is sponsoring a bill to end the program but Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona) is going to offer a counter-measure that he says takes into account the feelings of the Navajos.

Get the Story:
Move from land tough on Navajos (The Arizona Republic 7/7)
Steps to a relocation (The Arizona Republic 7/7)

Senate Bill:
Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Amendments of 2005 (S.1003)

Relevant Documents:
Hearing Before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on S. 1003, Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Amendments of 2005 (July 20, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Hopi Tribe - http://www.hopi.nsn.us
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Black Mesa Indigenous Support, Navajo family support site - http://www.blackmesais.org

Related Stories:
Hopis, Navajos divided over land dispute measure (06/23)
Listening Lounge: Hearing on Navajo-Hopi land act (6/21)
House Resources hearing on Navajo-Hopi land bill (6/20)
Navajo woman refuses to leave home on Hopi land (02/06)
McCain prods tribes, government on tribal land dispute (07/22)
Senate hearing on Navajo-Hopi land settlement bill (7/21)
Navajos oppose McCain bill on Navajo-Hopi settlement (7/15)

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