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DECEMBER 5, 2000

The Navajo Nation and Sandia National Laboratories on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting a technical, economic, and educiational partnership between the two.

Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson joined Navajo Nation President Kelsey Begaye and Sandia Executive Vice President Joan Woodard in signing the memorandum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It follows a directive Richardson issued to Sandia and other laboratories to create partnerships with tribes.

The Navajo Nation and Sandia will focus on promoting economic development for the country's largest tribe. They will also work on developing educational programs and have already worked on projects in the past.

"Sandia's scientists have worked closely with Navajo scientists and economic experts on several energy-related projects, including one that uses photovoltaics to provide electricity to Navajo homes at remote sites," said Richardson.

The laboratory is located about 170 miles from Window Rock, Arizona, the capital of the Navajo Nation. It conducts research on national security, energy, and economic competitiveness.

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DOE revises tribal policies (Enviro 11/1)

Relevant Links:
Tribal Nations Involvement, Office of Environmental Management - www.em.doe.gov/em22/tribindx.html
Sandia National Laboratories -www.sandia.gov
The Department of Energy -www.energy.gov