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SEPTEMBER 29, 2000

A bill that would make it easier for the Navajo Nation to lease its land for business development is moving forward in the Senate.

On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved the bill. That was the same day Peter Deswood, manager of the Kayenta Township on the Navajo Nation, told the Committee of the economic successes at Kayenta while testifying in support of another bill.

The Kayenta Township began as a pilot program for the Navajo Nation and has turned into a model of self-determination and self-sufficiency. Governmental and economic reforms have helped aid the development of new businesses in the township.

It is hoped the Navajo Nation Trust Leasing Act can help the tribe as a whole stimulate more business development. The bill would enable the tribe to lease its trust lands without having to get the approval of the federal government.

Under current regulations, the Interior is required to approve leasing of Navajo trust lands. According to Senators Jon Kyl (R-Ariz) and Pete Domenici (R-N.Mex), co-sponsors of the bill, this adds a level of review and a number of regulations that can be eliminated in order to streamline the leasing process.

Tom Skrelenaus, executive director of the Navajo Nation of Economic Development, agrees with removing the government's involvement. By getting the Bureau of Indian Affairs out of the leasing process, Skrelenaus said the bill will help the tribe develop "business friendly regulations."

Skrelenaus' office has been working on the bill for several months. He envisions many changes that can benefit the tribe once it is passed.

For example, he says the tribe can identify "hot" properties and market them accordingly. Similarly, he said the tribe can also encourage development in emerging parts of its three-state reservation.

Leases involving the investigation, development, or mining of natural resources are excepted from the bill.

Get the Bill:
A bill to establish a streamlined process to enable the Navajo Nation to lease trust lands without having to obtain the approval of the Secretary of the Interior of individual leases, except leases for exploration, development, or extraction of any mineral resources. (S.2665)

Relevant Links:
The Kayenta Township Commission - www.kayentatownship.com
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs - www.senate.gov