Navajo Nation judge rules for rancher in dispute over bid process

Wednesday, March 2, 2011  

A judge for the Navajo Nation ruled in favor of a rancher who disputed a new bidding process introduced by the tribe.

Loretta Morris and her husband leased a ranch in New Mexico from the tribe for the last 40 years. But they lost the lease under new rules that awarded the land to the highest bidder.

Judge William Platero ruled that the tribe failed to follow the law in awarding the new leases. The decision only applies to Morris but other ranchers might be able to challenge the process, according to an attorney who handled the case.

Morris faces eviction from the ranch if the tribe prevails in the dispute.

Get the Story:
Ranchers win case over Navajo eviction (The Farmington Daily Times 3/2)