Monday, Jul 9 2012 3:50PM
The Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe continue to develop an agreement regarding water rights for the Little Colorado River in Arizona.
The Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe continue to develop an agreement regarding water rights for the Little Colorado River in Arizona, according to Indian Country Today Media Network.
The tribes have been trying to reach a settlement with various entities during the past few decades to determine who should be granted water rights to the tributary, the source indicates.
While the Navajo Nation turned down the latest settlement offer, titled the Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Settlement Act of 2012, the Hopi Tribe approved the proposal. However, both sides must agree for any settlement to be finalized.
Micah Lomaomvaya, chief of staff for Hopi Tribal Chairman LeRoy Shingoitewa, said he thinks it's still possible for the legislation to be passed.
"This has gone on since the 1970s," he told the source. "We've worked on a product. We've endorsed it. We don't want the decades of work to go to nothing; we want to see the benefit go to the Hopi people."
Several tribal and rural communities will be affected by any water rights declarations. Leaders from both tribes want to ensure water infrastructure projects remain a part of any proposal to help rural communities lacking clean water.
For further information, check out this source:
Indian Country Today Media Network