Pauline Whitesinger doesn't know how old she is but the Navajo woman knows she will never leave her home in Big Mountain, Arizona, even if it is on Hopi land.
For 32 years, Whitesinger has resisted efforts to relocate. Faced with numerous threats and eviction dates, She has confronted Navajo, Hopi and federal officials who have tried to get her to move to Navajo lands.
Whitesinger doesn't have to move. If she signs an accommodation agreement with the Hopi Tribe, she can stay on the land as long as she recognizes Hopi jurisdiction. She also can't pass on the land to her heirs.
Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) said that the debate has gone on for long enough. He has introduced a bill to end the relocation program, which has cost $483 million and lasted more than 30 years.
Get the Story:Her Life Belongs to the Land (The Los Angeles Times 2/4)
pwday Get the Bill:
Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Amendments of 2005 (S.1003) Relevant Documents:
Hearing Before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on S. 1003, Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Amendments of 2005 (July 20, 2005) Relevant Links:
Hopi Tribe - http://www.hopi.nsn.us
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Black Mesa Indigenous Support, Navajo family support site - http://www.blackmesais.org Related Stories:
Senate hearing on Navajo-Hopi land settlement bill (07/21)
Senate hearing on Navajo-Hopi land settlement bill (7/21)
Navajos oppose McCain bill on Navajo-Hopi settlement (7/15)