Treaty broken: Navajo Nation unleashes on Haaland after Chaco Canyon ban

On Friday, Joe Biden’s U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a former Democrat congresswoman from New Mexico, released her decision to ban permitting of any type of natural mineral extraction within ten miles of Chaco Canyon, resulting in fury from the Navajo Nation, which opposed the measure after unsuccessfully trying to work with the administration on a compromise.

“Despite the Navajo Nation’s position, Secretary Haaland proceeded to issue this decision one day after the Navajo Nation commemorated our Treaty Day, which recognizes the Treaty of 1868 and the start of the government-to-government relationship between the Navajo Nation and the United States. The Secretary’s action undermines our sovereignty and self-determination,” Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said. 

“Despite my concerns and denunciation, the Department of Interior has moved forward, which is highly disappointing. Secretary Haaland’s decision impacts Navajo allottees but also disregards the tribe’s choice to lease lands for economic development. Ultimately, this decision jeopardizes future economic opportunities while at the same time placing some 5600 Navajo allottees in dire financial constraints,” said President Nygren.

“The Navajo Nation strongly disagrees with the new public land order and the Department of the Interior’s assertion that there was significant consultation with tribal nations prior to today’s announcement. The current resolution and position of the Navajo Nation supports no land withdrawal. In the past, the Navajo Nation attempted to compromise by proposing a five-mile buffer as opposed to the 10-mile. The Biden Administration has undermined the position of the Navajo Nation with today’s action and impacted the livelihood of thousands of Navajo allotment owners and their families. While we explore our options, we remain open to discussing a path toward compromise,” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley.

The Navajo Nation wrote in a press release, “President Nygren and Speaker Curley urge President Joe Biden and Secretary Haaland to reconsider this decision as it is a breach of trust between the Department of the Interior, the federal government, and the Navajo Nation; the decision is unjust and may violate individual landowner rights (Navajo allottees). President Nygren respectfully requests the Biden Administration work towards a solution that respects the rights and dignity of the Navajo people due to the long-lasting consequences to the Navajo People.” 

The decision ignored opposition from the Navajo Nation through various statements and resolutions by the current and past tribal administrations and conflicts of interest with her own daughter, Somah Haaland, lobbying Congress in support of the ban.

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16 thoughts on “Treaty broken: Navajo Nation unleashes on Haaland after Chaco Canyon ban”

  1. As a “white person,” I would like to apologize to the Native American’s. My ancestors were not here during the wars between your people and the “white man,” but we came later. I am appalled at the way those white men treated your people. Now, please read on.

    Every single time that DC broke treaty with Native American’s the Democratic party was in charge. Every. Single. Time. (I did the research.)

    The Democratic Party is a party of deceitfulness and lies. They have NOT been a friend to the Native American’s. Ever.

    Please, remember this in the next election?

    1. Clarissa, thank you for your input, especially regarding the Democratic Party being a party of deceitfulness and lies. You are absolutely right.

  2. Haaland is one of them… a traitor just like the rest of the demoncrats. Not only do the people on the reservations need to wake up but most of America needs to awaken as well and vote these devils out. These politicians do not care if families are unable to put food on the table whether it be in rural areas, in cities, or on reservations. They want power and money and could care less about people in general. God save our country.

  3. FYI…. I am white and I am different from the evil, socialist politicians. Don’t even go there. That is what they want …DIVISION.

  4. Repeatedly the government breaks promises… and after the lies, simply takes what it wants. This is bad enough. What is even worse is when ‘your own’ stabs you in the back. I will NOT apologize for ANY thing I DID NOT do. EVER.

  5. Our Native NMs have to realize that the Government bad on both sides. Heck sometimes they cannot even trust their own leaders, we do not. (conservative Americans) Our government is by the people or at least it was. Please get involved and find out who is really in your best interest of your people. It might not be the democrats or the republicans. But I would bet the MAGA conservatives might be their best bet. Even if we are labeled terrorists and enemies of the state. Remember the labels the New American government had for your people. It was to make the new Americans fell justified to take from your people. Tribes have always fought and made treaties and fought again. The US Government only wants power, money, control. That is why they do not follow the constitution. We need to band together to get the US government in control.

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