Hundreds of Navajo Nation leaders attended the third annual Local Governance Act summit this week.

The Navajo Nation Council passed the LGA to put more power in the hands of the tribe's chapters. But only nine chapters, out 110, have received certification under the law since 1998.

Tribal leaders discussed obstacles to certification, a two-step process that requires chapters to develop land-use plans and five management systems. Some said that alternatives should be considered.

"In some cases, we have a square hole and a round peg, and we're forcing this on our people," said Herbert Clah, of the Northern Navajo Agency's Local Governance Support Center, The Farmington Daily Times reported.

Get the Story:
Navajo Council addresses lagging chapter certification (The Farmington Daily Times 7/9)