Three delegates voted against the compact and do not support lifting the freeze. KTNN 09/27/06
I want to emphasize that Chee, Johnson and I want the freeze to be lifted.
The concerns that we attempted to raise yesterday were in regards to several
provisions in the compact itself. We want the freeze to be lifted, but not at the
cost of individual and personal rights to our people. The compact as it is
currently written is restrictive and greatly accommodates the Hopi claims as
opposed to what rightfully belongs to Navajo.
Additionally, the Navajo attorneys did not allow for any amendments. Some
amendments from the council could have easily taken care of the concerns that
would have protected Navajo rights and the integrity of the Navajo Nation.
Further, the council did not see the new maps that outlined where the new
Hopi sacred sites and corridors are. we know that there are a number of them and
they are in someones backyard. Who's backyard? We don't know.
It was also not explained how those Navajo residents would be notified that
those Hopi sites and corridors are within their grazing areas. The compact
states that new construction would be "irrevocably" restricted in those new Hopi
sacred sites and corridors. Therefore it's possible, that while attempting to
lift the Bennett Freeze, we are creating a new freeze elsewhere on Navajoland.