    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 11, 1996]
    [Pages 1816-1817]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act
    of 1996
    October 11, 1996

        Today I am pleased to sign into law S. 1973, an Act that will help
    resolve a century-old dispute between the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo
    Nation over the use of Hopi Reservation Land in northern Arizona.
        This bill will implement a settlement reached last December after 5
    years of negotiation among the Navajo families that live on Hopi land,
    the Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Nation, and the United States. This historic
    settlement con-

    [[Page 1817]]

    stitutes a courageous step by the people of two honorable tribes toward
    coexistence in peace and mutual respect.
        The settlement is a consensual resolution of an age-old problem. It
    creates a way for Navajo families now residing on Hopi land to lawfully
    remain at the homesites where their families have lived for many
    generations. At the same time, it preserves the Hopi Tribe's right to
    exercise jurisdiction over its land. It is based on principles of self-
    determination for the Tribes and human dignity for all tribal members.
    With this settlement, both tribes now will be able to devote their
    efforts and resources to important educational, health, and economic
    development programs for the Navajo and Hopi people.
        The settlement was achieved only through the concerted efforts of
    many people. I take this opportunity to express appreciation in
    particular to Hopi Tribal Chairman Ferrell Secakuku and Navajo Nation
    President Albert Hale for their commitment to a peaceful resolution. I
    also wish to thank the Navajo residents of the Hopi Partitioned Lands--
    who have dedicated countless hours to negotiating these difficult
    issues. Further thanks are in order for the residents and the State and
    local governmental representatives of Arizona who have worked with the
    negotiating teams, and to the Department of the Interior. Finally, I
    want to acknowledge the role of the Department of Justice, which took
    the lead for the United States in these negotiations.
        This bipartisan bill and the historic settlement it ratifies give us
    great cause for hope. The Navajo and the Hopi have embarked upon a
    course of reconciliation concerning an issue--religious and historical
    claims to land--that has led to disharmony in other places across the
    globe. We should build upon this success as we plan for a future
    together based on cooperation and mutual respect.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    October 11, 1996.

    Note: S. 1973, approved October 11, was assigned Public Law No. 104-301.