The Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation are reportedly close to agreement on a compact that would resolve outstanding issues of their long-running land dispute.

The compact would lift the so-called Bennett Freeze that has prevented improvements on certain lands in northeastern Arizona. It would allow Navajos and Hopis to continue to use certain lands for religious and cultural purposes.

Both sides are supporting the agreement, said a Navajo Nation Council delegate. But one delegate called the Hopis "stubborn people."

Congress is considering legislation to end the relocation program that stemmed from the land dispute. The Navajo Nation has opposed provisions of a bill introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) although the Hopi Tribe supports it.

Get the Story:
Land settlement in sight (The Gallup Independent 8/17)
Chapter members ask for hearing on Freeze deal (The Gallup Independent 8/17)

Senate 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:
Navajo Nation moves to fight land dispute bill (07/27)
Navajo-Hopi land conflict still stirs hard feelings (07/07)
Hopis, Navajos divided over land dispute measure (06/23)
Listening Lounge: Hearing on Navajo-Hopi land act (6/21)
House Resources hearing on Navajo-Hopi land bill (6/20)
Navajo woman refuses to leave home on Hopi land (02/06)
McCain prods tribes, government on tribal land dispute (07/22)
Senate hearing on Navajo-Hopi land settlement bill (7/21)
Navajos oppose McCain bill on Navajo-Hopi settlement (7/15)