Diné won't join NCAI

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation is still not ready to join the National Congress of American Indians.

Legislation sponsored by delegate Larry Anderson Sr. which would have had the largest Indian tribe in the United States join the largest American Indian organization failed to garner a motion when it came before the InterGovernmental Relations Committee Monday.

"Going once, going twice," said Pro-Tem Chairman Omer Begay. "Is there a motion? Going three times."

Because no motion was made the legislation could not be discussed.

"These guys are self-conscious and don't feel we need any help," said a disappointed Anderson. "I don't feel that way. No one is big enough to always stand alone."

The Navajo Nation never joined NCAI because it wanted to keep its business to itself, Anderson said. The nation has always felt that it was large enough and had enough clout to get its message across to Congress, he said.

Many of the issues that come before NCAI affect all of Indian Country, not just the Navajos, Anderson said. While many tribes see the Navajos as a leader among Indian nations, it's disappointing that the Navajo leadership doesn't see that, Anderson added.

NCAI was founded in 1944 in response to termination and assimilation policies that the U.S. forced upon tribal governments in contradiction of their treaty rights and status as sovereigns.

NCAI stresses the need for unity and cooperation among tribal governments for the protection of the treaty and sovereign rights for all Native American nations.

More than 60 years after its founding, NCAI has grown from its modest beginnings of 100 people to include 250 member tribes today.

NCAI also tackles other issues affecting Indians, such as meth on the reservations, voter registration and economic development.

In an ironic twist, a few minutes after Anderson's legislation died, the IGR committee passed a bill authorizing the tribe to join the National Indian Gaming Association so the nation wouldn't be left out of gaming matters.

"I find this legislation, as far as representation, to be very important," said sponsor LoRenzo C. Bates. Currently the California tribes seem to drive gaming matters and the Navajo need a voice at that table, Bates said.

Founded in 1985, NIGA now boasts 184 member tribes and other non-voting associates, representing businesses and organizations involved with Indian gaming.

Delegate Hope MacDonald-Lonetree agreed with Bates' legislation, but offered one amendment. Instead of authorizing the Navajo Nation president to be the tribe's NIGA representative, she suggested it should be the chairman of the Economic Development Committee.

MacDonald-Lonetree's amendment and Bates' bill both passed by 9-0 votes.

In other business:

Sponsor Kee Allen Begay sought approval for his legislation to accept a $22,496 grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, to develop a water management and conservation plan for the Many Farms irrigation system.

The bill was tabled because it lacked a budget form.

Later, Begay was able to get a budget form and passed out copies to the delegates. After it was recalled Bates asked why the budget forms provided by Begay had no signatures.

"I have no answer for that," Begay said.

Bates ruled the unsigned budget forms to be out of order and the motion to recall the bill was itself recalled.

"You saw what they did, they're just trying to block my legislation," said Begay, who has been a strong advocate for getting farming back to the Many Farms Chapter. "I don't know why they're against it. It would help the people."

John Christian Hopkins can be reached at 1-505-371-5443, or by email at Hopkins1960@hotmail.com.