[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.