The Navajo Nation

October 21, 1999
Fifth Intersessional Working Group

Statement of the Navajo Nation

Mr.Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to speak once more.

The issue of land rights and natural ressources is very important to the Navajo people. Control of our lands and territories and natural resources is very important and crucial to our continued development as a Nation. However, recent history has demonstrated that decision making power alone is not enough. Indigenous peoples must have meaningful choices that are not limited by self-interest, greed or discrimination.

For example, a few month ago the Navajo Nation filed a lawsuit in the US courts against a large coal company for conspiring with US government officials to cheat the Navajo Nation of the fair market value of its coal. US government officials failed to honor its trust responsibilities which resulted the loss of millions of dollars to the Navajo Nation. While in large measure the Navajo Nation has control of its land and natural resources, the Navajo Nation expects to be treated fairly and without discrimination.

Another example of mistreatment has been the recently disclosed mismanagement of revenues derived from our natural resources by the US government. Several hundreds of millions of dollars has been unaccounted for and lost. These examples demonstrates that mistreatment of Indian Nations is not relegated to mere historical references - but continues to this day. As Navajo People we have a special relationship with our lands. Navajo creation stories stated that Navajos must live within the
boundaries of our four sacred mountains located in southwestern United States. We do not simply live on the land. In a sense the land "owns" us, in other words, we belong to the land. Our land forms an integral part of our religion and culture. Geographic features are referenced in our religious teachings and ceremonies. Therefore, removing us from our lands would destroy us as people.

Recently, the Navajo Nation elected a new government that has taken on the formidable task of improving Navajo employment and economic development. Central to the Navajo Nation policy is to develop self-reliance. Our Navajo elders taught us that self-relience is based upon responsible use of our land and natural resources. From the land we received our sustinence, clothing and medicines. Currently, about eighty-five percent of Navajo revenues is derived from our resources. We
can only attain true self-determination by becoming self-reliant. The key to the more efficient use of our lands and natural resources lies in the United States relazing its stranglehold on our resources. The Navajo Nation believes successful development can only occur without over burdensome US laws and regulations. Current paternalistic and bureaucratic US laws stifles development and business opportunities of Indian nations. US government officials acknowledge the deplorable
conditions under which our people live. However, we need more than assurances or condescending statements. We need the support of the US of the current draft declaration coupled with a real commitment to act consistently with the draft declaration. Under these circumstances perhaps our economic and social conditions may dramatically improve.

In closing, the Navajo Nation notes the generally positive statements made by member states and indigenous representatives in working together to achieve a common goal. The Navajo Nation looks forward to continuing dialogue with member states.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.