Politics
Navajo council considers human rights bill


A bill to create a human rights commission is on the agenda as the Navajo Nation Council returns to work this week.

Legislation 0719-06 is sponsored by delegate Ervin Keeswood. He cited past discrimination against Navajos as well as more recent race-related incidents in the border town of Farmington, New Mexico.

The five-member commission would hear complaints from tribal members. Some cases could be referred to authorities.

In related news, Navajo women have organized a march in Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation where the council meets. The group Women Against Racism say a staffer for President Joe Shirley Jr. made racial remarks about Navajos who are of mixed ancestry.

Get the Story:
Navajo Nation considers bill to create human rights commission (The Farmington Daily Times 10/16)
Women plan Window Rock march against racism (The Gallup Independent 10/14)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org

Related Stories:
Man accused of hate crime also charged with burglary (10/12)
Border town racism on Navajo Nation Council agenda (10/4)
Racial tensions fester in Navajo Nation border town (09/18)
Suspect pleads not guilty to beating of Navajo man (9/12)
Men face hate crimes charges for Navajo beating (9/7)
Hundreds attend memorial march in Farmington (9/5)
Editorial: March shows discrimination still exists (9/5)
Navajo Nation to march in Farmington on Saturday (8/31)
Chickasaw Nation business buys building for $7.8M (8/31)
Attack on Native officer considered a hate crime (08/23)
Judge denies treating Indians, non-Indians differently (08/11)
Permit requested for Navajo march in border town (8/8)
Navajo Nation to hold two marches in border town (8/3)
Farrakhan shocked by conditions on reservation (8/1)
Letter: No need to study racism in border towns (7/31)
Investigation sought into shooting of Navajo man (7/27)
DOJ won't investigate fatal shooting of Navajo man (7/26)
Farrakhan brings message of self-reliance to Navajos (7/21)
Controversial leader Farrakhan visits Navajo Nation (7/20)
Navajo Nation to march against border town racism (7/19)
Navajo Nation Council debates border town racism (7/18)
Indians with discrimination claims sent to sex chat (7/14)
Border town racism an issue again in Farmington (7/13)
Navajo Nation approves study of racism in border towns (7/7)
Racial tension in Farmington prompts meetings (6/29)
Farmington Mayor: City sensitive to Navajos (6/29)
Navajo leaders angered by incidents in Farmington (6/26)
George Joe: Battle lines drawn over Farmington (6/26)
Three suspects arrested for attack on Navajo man (6/19)
Navajo man attacked by white males in Farmington (06/13)
Paper examines Indian race relations, civil rights (03/24)
Paper examines Indian race relations, civil rights (3/23)
Paper examines Indian race relations, civil rights (3/22)
Editorial: Race relations improving in Farmington (03/02)
Navajo race relations subject of Civil Rights report (3/1)
Navajos turn out for civil rights commission hearing (05/03)
Civil rights panel to hold hearing in Farmington (4/29)
Racism still a sore subject 30 years after murders (4/27)
Navajos see bias in New Mexico city's justice system (4/26)
Navajo homeless men claim assault by white youth (4/23)
Navajos recall discrimination by local businesses (4/22)
1974 murders of Navajo men stir strong feelings (4/21)