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It's sad when I read about all the dissension and unstable leadership in our Navajo tribal government. Because there are certain individual and interest group filing court action to block reducing the number of councilman to 24.
And filing court action not believing what the courts have already decided that the council had acted without merit against one of their own.
There appears to be separation of trust, and unity of our Navajo standing. Now, even the tribal council has no belief in the Navajo Fundamental Law, and is interpreting to the tribal judges what the laws are.
No unity, no plans for tomorrow's growth of strong leadership, no plans to how we, the Navajos, will be prospering in the next 5, 10 to 50 years?
There are a lot of negative questions about our present leadership in Window Rock discussed when I get together with my peers during our traditional sweat lodge. I, being an elderly along with my family and peers, we are in support of a new Navajo leadership in Window Rock to take shape.
Now, may I suggest: reconciliation among all the leaders in Window Rock council chamber? A beginning of a new era of a true Navajo leaders. A traditional warding off evil ceremony be conducted for the council chamber and follow up with a long prayer and have a Blessing Way Ceremony on behalf of all the leaders.
The head of the council will sit in for all the leaders. The leaders need to remind themselves that our Navajo strength lies in our white corn, yellow corn, our songs, prayers, our sacred mountain bundle, our corn pollen, and unity of love, ké and respect.
The lawsuit, special interest group projects, special investigators and lawyers are all been afforded with monies to go forward. Why not afford traditional Navajo medicine men, chanters and practitioners to conduct the cleansing ceremony I mentioned above?
And these leaders at the tribal chambers allow themselves to traditional counseling by their peers. These leaders need to humble themselves and take pride in making a change for a better future.
In conclusion, the filing of unjust court papers against one another, bickering against one another and illicit conduct of certain leaders should be replaced with prospect of strong Navajo togetherness. I believe with this, the Navajo will forever prosper this time on.
Richard Anderson Sr.
Crownpoint, N.M.
Ask in-depth questions of political candidates
Having read many letters to the editor in our award winning newspaper, there are numerous opinions on a variety of topics and issues. However in the upcoming election year I do hope our people in our communities ask in-depth questions to all the politicians and potential leaders seeking public office.
The Navajo Nation voter must look at the integrity and tenacity of current and potential delegate(s) and request/demand actionable change. Change is inevitable, how we decide to address the change is up to us.
But let us remember loyalty to our people. To our politicians and leaders out there it is loyalty to our people and lands, not someone we elect.
It is a crucial time in our history. Now as a people we seem to losing touch with our common roots. We must build an outline for plans. Part of that perhaps is a constitution, efforts to educate our people of the old ways, and future direction.
We, as a people, must look at our infrastructure, the foundation base of our government. (Infrastructure as it relates to technology, electricity, sewage/drainage system, natural resources, and even our workforce.)
As individuals and especially in our region everything is a priority unfortunately reality paints a different picture. We all cannot get what we want. We must prioritize specific areas, let's build piece by piece otherwise we'll keep skirmishing among us and will slow ourselves down.
An example is we need to prioritize a regional training center. We must train our people but yet our government programs send our employees all over the place to obtain training. The effort must be laid down to envision this training center here on our land.
Another area is government directors, managers and supervisors must be trained and skilled to develop modified strategic planning on a routine basis. Trained in the aspect of working together, putting your talents, experience and formal education to use for our people.
We always talk about education, learn the white man's education. It will always be a journey of getting educated; we must ask ourselves, what has it brought us? Have we used it wisely? Where is the traditional education? How many of us actually communicate/learn from our elders? Many questions we must ask ourselves.
The people we elect must follow Navajo laws not "waive" our laws. There must be a plan to use existing laws. The laws were created for a purpose, if they no longer serve a specific purpose then we must modify or eliminate.
The next administration must have a chief of staff that brings the programs together and makes them work together (is that Western government business or fundamental law?) The next administration must use the personnel resources of our people, if they do not they must have a plan to engage our workforce with a goal of superior employees.
Although Fundamental Law was our primary way of dealing with the tasks of Mother Earth, there are many of us that require traditional education. Is the term "president" fundamental to us? Is the terms "voting", "registered voters", and "majority" fundamental to us? An idea is to fit it in our daily government structure; how, when, where, are discussion points.
Too often in this western society our politicians tend to dictate what to do for us without consulting us properly. However in all fairness sometimes we don't want to listen until it affects us personally.
We have our youth, are they learning of why they spray paint our buildings and shave their heads because of Fundamental Law or a lack of knowledge of Fundamental Law? In a way we all have Fundamental Law in us, and some of us don't know it, it is survival. The human being in us each day lives to move on.
There are many areas we must look at, there are many voices to be heard, and there are many areas to visit in our government and most of all it is necessary action of our people. Let's not wait for someone to tell us. Let's start by picking up that piece of trash that we have been walking by, let's start by sharing more time with our youth and have a plan to involve them.
We need to be appreciating what we have and ask ourselves the question, are we making our lands safe and viable for us?
Orlando D. Bowman
Fort Defiance, Ariz.
Time to design government we want
The Navajo people are experiencing a divided government as has happened in 1989.
This new division is the result of the recent referendum votes of the people to reduce the size of the council from 88 to 24. This vote has also divided the people.
Notwithstanding the referendum vote, the council, with its legislative power, can still dictate to the other two branches and this has already started to occur when recently, the council gave its legislative attorney equal power to the attorney general.
A divided government is not a solution therefore a document or a charter must be developed that will give the Navajo voters more authority over their government. The document would give the Navajo people a clear authority over their government whereby the legislative branch and the executive branch will exercise only those authorities delegated to them and in disputes, the Supreme Court would act as a referee.
If there is no resolution of the dispute the people, through referendum, would resolve the issue.
In this document, more administrative positions would be made into elected positions such as chief justice, attorney general, auditor general, director of education, and director of elections. Other provisions such as term limits and periodic review of performance would be made by the voters.
The present Navajo government was established by the federal government in 1924 and it is time the Navajo people establish their own government.
Daniel Peaches
Kayenta, Ariz.
Rep. Begaye's letter insults our intelligence
It is with interest that I read New Mexico State Rep. Ray Begaye's letter to the Navajo Times about New Mexico capital outlay projects ("N.M. capital outlay funds may be cut," Feb. 18, 2010). Navajo chapter officials worked hard to procure these funds.
In one fell swoop, the New Mexico Legislature, through Senate Bill 182, took away these funds. SB182 was a anti-Navajo project legislation.
Rep. Begaye misleads in his letter by claiming that he worked "out of the compassion for the people" with senators Pinto, Lovejoy, and Munoz to try "to restore all of the funds for the Navajo people."
In his letter to President Shirley dated Feb. 17, Rep. Begaye turned 180 degree (flip-flopped) and supported the passage of SB182 by complaining that Rep. Sandra Jeff is holding up SB182. He actually lobbied for the passage of SB182.
It is sad that our New Mexico State senators are not effective in the representation of their Navajo constituents (as stated by Rep. Begaye in his letter). Now, Rep. Begaye misleads his Navajo constituents and tries to put a "spin" on his lack of resolve to save Navajo projects.
Only Rep. Jeff had the resolve to gather the votes to table SB182 two times because she wanted to amend it to save 46 Navajo projects that were near contract completion and to send a message to the New Mexico state legislature to respect Navajo sovereignty as stated in New Mexico's "Indian Collaboration Law."
No other legislator in Santa Fe did that on behalf of the Navajo people, and the nerve of her Navajo colleagues in trying to turn her effort against her as indicated by Rep. Begaye's letter.
The 17 projects were "false saves" because they were already under third-party contract. To tell us that these were saved is an insult to our intelligence.
I hope and trust that our New Mexico legislators representing the wonderful Navajo people will be more truthful to us in the future - election is this year and we need to hold these legislators accountable for their legislative action (or lack of it).
Leonard Tsosie
Council Delegate
Pueblo Pintado, Whitehorse Lake and Torreon Chapters
Impressed with Window Rock Scouts fans
I wanted to send a note to say how impressed I am with the community that supports the Window Rock basketball teams.
I went to the girl's 3A semifinal basketball game on Feb. 26 and I was truly touched by the community. I went to the game simply to support a friend of mine that was a referee, but I came away with a great respect of the people.
I noticed the girl's team was very well coached and disciplined. They played hard, but they played clean. The crowds were also very respectful. Even if they disagreed with a call made on the floor, they did not get out of line. They also exhibited outstanding sportsmanship toward the other team, something you don't find very often.
Finally, I could not help but notice the politeness of those, especially the children, as they moved through the stands. I was sitting in an aisle seat and many times people had to cross in front of me to get to their seats. Each time they did, no matter how young or old they were, they took the time to say, "Excuse me."
I cannot tell you the impact that had on me since this type of respect is so often limited to an older generation. Please pass on my appreciation and admiration for your entire community.
Audrey Glemba
Phoenix, Ariz.
Hopi Appellate Court judges also can't interpret constitution
It is certain now that the Hopi tribal authorities all have a problem interpreting the Hopi tribal constitution. I thought that this was limited to officials in the executive branch and some members of the tribal council on the advice of the general counsel.
However it is now clear that the Appellate Court judges have the same problem. Permit me to explain.
On April 4, 2008, Justice Frederick Lomayeswa, Justice Pro Tem Patricia Sekaquaptewa and Justice Pro Tem Justin Richland issued an interm answer to a certified question submitted by the village of Bacavi as follows:
"The Court finds that the Constitution delegates the Exclusive power to remove duly-certified Tribal Council representatives to the Tribal Council."
This was their interpretation of Article IV, Section 4, which reads as follows:
"Each village shall decide for itself how it chooses its representatives, subject to the provisions of Section 5. Representatives shall be recognized by the Tribal Council only if they are certified by the Kikmongwi of their respective villages, certifications may be in writing or in person."
On Feb. 11, 2010, Chief Justice Anna N. Atencio, Associate Justice Paul S. Berman and Associate Justice Robert N. Clinton, in their final answer and opinion issued the following to the certified question of the village of Bacavi.
"This Court unanimously finds that under the Constitution and Hopi custom and tradition, the Hopi and Tewa villages regardless of their form of government, have authority to remove, recall or decertify their duly certified Tribal Council Representatives during their term of office by whatever process the villages selects and that Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution governs both selection and removal, recall and decertification of Tribal representatives."
I am not an attorney but I would have to conclude that looking at Article IV, Section 4, line by line, I find nothing in it, which specify anything about removal of representatives by the Hopi villages. In my opinion, if it was to read in such a way, it would be written in plain English in black and white but it is not. Therefore, I have to conclude that one of these Appellate Court opinion is not correct because they could not be both correct.
Since the Hopi tribal constitution was drafted and finalized in 1936 by Oliver La Farge with the help of certain Hopi elders, no one can go back there and ask them what they meant by Article IV, Section 4. All we can know for sure today, is what was written in black and white and nothing else.
In addition, we have to admit that the Hopi elders had no experience or idea as to what a constitution was in 1936. They had no education and hardly understood the English language. La Farge was the only one who was educated and understood what a constitution was and he was a white man, not a Hopi and most likely had very little understanding of the Hopi way of life, its traditions and customs. Did he leave out from Article IV, Section 4, what should have been in it? Unfortunately, no one will ever know.
In summary, I said I am not a lawyer but I think we should leave Article IV, Section 4, as it is now and not try to add something to it, which is not specified in black and white.
I find support for this conclusion by the three justices of the Appellate Court, which issued the interm answer when they said, "The Constitution sets out the explicit ground rules governing the relationship between the tribal and village sovereigns. It would be ill advised to initiate the practice of reading meaning into the silences of the primary document mediating the relationship between the tribal and village sovereigns. It is our deep respect for both that we decline to effect a Constitution Amendment by plenary Justicial review. However, if villages feel strongly that the removal powers are presently misallocated in the Constitution, the villages may push for a Constitutional Amendment. Until there is such an Amendment, however, this Court is bound by the clear language of the Constitution, which delegates the removal power of Representatives exclusively to the Tribal Council."
Since this is the case, the justices of the Appellate Court of 2010 were ill advised to add meaning to the silence of Article IV, Section 4, in their opinion of Feb. 11, 2010.
I would recommend that the Hopi Tribal Council, the representatives of the Hopi villages, seriously consider the rejection of their opinion and pursuant to H-088-2009, not extend the appointment of these Appellate Court judges beyond their 6-month term which ends on March 8, 2010, as being in the best interest of the Hopi Tribe.
Caleb H. Johnson
Kykotsmovi, Ariz.
Looking for my father
My name is Thomas Lee Albers. I was born under the name, Thomas Tifford Morgan (April 23, 1981) at the Gallup Indian Medical Center in Gallup, N.M. I lived with my birth mother, Valerie V. Ankney, until I was adopted by my aunt and uncle.
I grew up in Michigan with my adoptive family, which prevented me from having contact with my biological father. My biological father has a large family, including siblings Herbert, Miriam, Ray, Harold, and Ruth. My grandparents are Herbert and Louise Morgan. They are all from Manuelito, N.M.
I am 28 years old now, and I have never met my father. I would like to be a part of his life. I am desperately seeking a relationship with my father before it's too late.
If anyone has information about Thomas Tifford Morgan or relatives, please contact me at 407-288-4917, 407-288-4216, or tomalbers@aol.com.
You could also write me at Thomas Albers, 1080 South Hoagland Blvd., Lot 119, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Thanks for your help.
Thomas Albers
Kissimmee, Fla.
10 evicted Church Rock families thank those who helped
To all who were concerned and helped in a time of need. We, the 10 evicted families, would like to express our sincere gratitude to many who have helped us during our time of need. There were several entities and individuals who have gone far and beyond their duty to help our families when we were all put out in the streets on a cold wintry evening on Dec. 28, 2009.
We would like to thank Church Rock Chapter officials who stepped in the minute they heard of the crisis. Johnny Henry, Louis Jim, Brian Chee, and Robinson Kelly have been working with our group to provide as much service to all the families. Great job team!
We did vote the right people in the right positions who did exactly what they say they would do if they were elected into office as an official - to help their people!
Vice President Shelly and his staff, stepping in to make sure the families were safe and had a warm place to stay, pulling in different entities that would provide services to the 10 families, keeping in close contact with each family to make sure they were being taking care of, and helping us every step of the way to make sure all families were placed in temporary housing and making sure that Sandstone Housing will be looked into so that other families are not effected in the same way we were treated. Just being there for the much-needed comfort and being concerned for the Navajo families that were pushed out into the cold with nowhere to turn. Great job Vice President Shelly!
Sleep Inn of Gallup-Hospitality for housing eight families for a month; Chief of Staff Patrick Sandoval; Speaker of the Council Lawrence Morgan and staff, $400/Sleep Inn; Tony Padilla Jr./Lake Valley Chapter, $1,000/a week stay for the families at Sleep Inn; St. Bonaventure Mission, $3,000/Sleep Inn; United Way of the Navajo Nation, food donation; NHA, $2,846/a week stay at Sleep Inn (placing eight families in temporary housing for 60 days); Sandra Jeff, $500/Sleep Inn; EMS Crownpoint, food donation; Catholic Charities, food donation; N.E.C.A, $2,000 attorney fee; Kathy Helmes of Gallup Independent, $25; Johnny Henry, $150; Navajo Nation Social Services, $400 grants to families that qualified; Ellis Tanner, water; and George Munoz, $200.
We are still in need of monetary donations to help with attorney cost to pursue our court proceedings. If you would like to donate please contact: Lenora Garcia, spokesperson, at 505-862-3682 or P.O. Box 398, Church Rock, NM 87311.
Thank you all for the services you have provided to the 10 former families of Church Rock Estates.
Phil and Lenora Garcia, Shirlene Rogers, Sheridan and Lenora Jodie, Lorraine Jim, Edison and Delores Martin, Shirley Delgarito, Rhotania Yellowhorse, Roseann Coho, Lenny and Mckenzie Baca, and Wesley Rogers.
