Chris Clark-Deschene: Water rights deal good for Navajo Nation

Friday, June 1, 2012  

"Water is sacred. No doubt. So are our people and our future. On the current issue of S.2109, I support the Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement for a number of reasons. As a member of the Nation, a former elected official representing the Nation in the Arizona legislature, and an attorney working with natural resources, I have seen throughout our Nation a severe need for water infrastructure. The settlement agreement offers our Nation an opportunity to build and secure water rights for our current needs and our future growth.

While the Navajo Nation is currently considering whether to approve a settlement of the Navajo Nation’s water rights claims in the Little Colorado River Adjudication, I urge our People to look at the issue from all sides. To date, opposing letters to the Editor I believe, have misrepresented the terms of the settlement and done a great disservice to those who seek to understand the legal basis of the settlement. I would encourage us all to thoroughly review this settlement and understand the terms before letting others decide for us. "

Get the Story:
Chris Clark-Deschene: Settlement Maximizes Navajo Nation Water Rights (Indian Country Today 6/1)