"As Mayor of the City of Farmington, I feel the need to address some unfortunate events that have occurred in our community over the last couple of weeks � a tragic shooting involving a police officer and the assault and robbery of an individual by three assailants.

The Navajo community, the city of Farmington and others have been tremendously impacted by these events and I extend my condolences and offer my thoughts and prayers to the families that have been affected.

Ever since the events occurred that were chronicled in the book, "The Broken Circle," following an incident in the 1970s, and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission issued its report shortly thereafter, Farmington has struggled with its image and perceptions about how people of all races are treated in our community.

As a city, it has been a high priority to reach out to the diverse population which calls northwest New Mexico home. Over the years, we have made progress, building trust and relationships between people and communities, agreeing to work together to solve problems and enhance our mutual environment."

Get the Story:
Farmington Mayor Bill Standley: City continues to be sensitive to Navajo community (The Farmington Daily Times 6/29)

Civil Rights Commission Report:
The Farmington Report: Civil Rights for Native Americans 30 Years Later (November 2005)

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

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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)
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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)
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