Hopi Says Control of HPL Land Is the Real Issue

Hopi Tribe: Notwithstanding the emotional hype surrounding the recent Sundance at Big Mountain, the crux of the issue is the right of Hopi people to control their land and resources.

The Hopi Tribe is a sovereign nation that can and will exercise the rights afforded to all sovereigns, irrespective of public opinion—the Tribe is not seeking favorable ratings in a popularity contest.

Tribes have fought for their rights for over 100 years and it is crucial that all tribes exercise their sovereignty, as well as respect the sovereignty of others.

This is our strongest defense against others who repeatedly seek to undermine sovereignty in Indian Country.

Key to upholding sovereignty is strong, steadfast, and unwavering leadership. Those politicians who are easily swayed by emotions and their own self-interests lose focus on the larger picture of sovereignty and can do much damage to it.

True leadership is demonstrated by those who stand up for sovereignty, no matter how unpopular their decisions may be with the general public and those who pretend to fight for human rights.

It is unfortunate when leadership declines to recognize the sovereignty of a neighboring nation.

The world operates on principles of law and order, and those leaders who support passive resistance and civil disobedience on the land of other sovereigns undercut their own sovereignty.

It is an unsaid policy in Indian Country not to meddle in the internal affairs of another tribal nation.

When intertribal issues need to be resolved, tribal governments come together and establish intergovernmental agreements.

Such an agreement between the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation worked well in ultimately producing the 1996 Settlement Act.

However, as negotiations for new legislative and congressional districts continue, the Navajo Nation’s response to events at the Big Mountain Sundance substantiate the Hopi Tribe’s discomfort with being represented by a tribe that refuses to recognize Hopi jurisdiction.

The Sundance incident clearly indicates a Navajo Nation allegiance with other Navajos regardless of Hopi sovereignty and lawful rights.

To the Hopi Tribe, there is no comfort in the promises made by the Navajo Nation to support their latest redistricting proposal that they will look out for Hopi interests when they refuse to recognize the sanctity of Hopi borders.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read