Federal officials have collaborated with the state of Arizona to initiate the fulfillment of a nearly 30-year-old settlement agreement with the Hopi Tribe, marking a significant milestone for the tribe.
On Friday, government attorneys filed condemnation documents to transfer over 31 square miles of state land into trust for the Hopi Tribe, which will repurchase the land near Winslow for nearly $4 million. This marks the beginning of a series of land transfers aimed at consolidating ownership and enhancing ranching opportunities for the tribe in northeastern Arizona.
This initiative stems from the 1996 Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act, which established the framework for transferring land into trust for the Hopi Tribe amidst decades of territorial disputes between the Hopi and Navajo Nations. The division of land in 1974 led to complex ownership patterns that have persisted, with the Navajo Nation encompassing the Hopi reservation.
Since the landmark settlement, the Hopi Tribe has been actively working to acquire additional land, including negotiating transfers of state land for tribal use. Despite encountering various challenges over the years, the recent filing is seen as a step forward in addressing land ownership issues.
Hopi Chairman Tim Nuvangyaoma expressed gratitude for the efforts that led to this historic filing, coinciding with the traditional soyal’ang ceremony, which symbolizes the New Year and the renewal of life.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs acknowledged the long-standing fight for tribal rights and emphasized the importance of this agreement in providing every Arizonan with a place to thrive.
In a related development, the Navajo Nation has also begun securing land near Flagstaff to address their own historical grievances stemming from the Navajo-Hopi dispute, with hopes of generating economic opportunities through potential developments, such as a casino.
For the Hopi Tribe, the ongoing land trust efforts represent a critical path toward economic development, as the area near Winslow, currently used for ranching and agriculture, would be more effectively utilized once fully integrated into tribal trust lands.
Federal officials indicated that this initial filing is just the first in a series of actions that could lead to transferring over 170 square miles of state land into trust for the Hopi Tribe, paving the way for significant advancements in tribal sovereignty and economic growth.
