DOI launches inquiry into Navajo trip to NIEA

Tuesday, November 27, 2007  

The Interior Department's Inspector General has begun a preliminary inquiry into the Navajo Nation's trip to the National Indian Education Association conference in Hawaii.

The department was asked by Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) to determine whether federal funds were misappropriated or misused in connection with the trip. It's not clear how many Navajo officials and employees attended the conference but The Farmington Daily Times has said as many as 362 went to Hawaii.

Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr., his wife and at least 18 Navajo Council delegates were among those who represented the tribe at the annual event.

Shirley's office has criticized the Daily Times for its reporting on the story, saying the paper hasn't done an adequate job. The tribe, however, hasn't said how much money it spent on the tribe or where the money came from.

Get the Story:
Feds begin Hawaii trip investigation (The Farmington Daily Times 11/27)

Relevant Links:
National Indian Education Association - http://www.niea.org

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Sen. Domenici seeks probe of Navajo NIEA trip (11/19)
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Editorial: Navajo Nation wasted money on NIEA (11/8)
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Navajo Nation sent more than 360 to NIEA in Hawaii (11/5)
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