Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

WINDOW ROCK, NAVAJO NATION (Arizona) - As the media has reported, Hopi Rangers recently arrested five Navajo citizens, charging them with trespass on the Hopi-Partitioned Land (HPL). The Navajos are Louise Benally, Ruth Benally, Elvira Horseherder, Joella Ashkie, and Pauline Whitesinger.

The arrests were precipitated by the intent of these five individuals to conduct a religious ceremony without a Hopi permit. I understand that they had asked for permission to conduct the ceremony from the Hopi Tribe, but permission was denied.

The type of ceremony in question has been performed for a number of years on the HPL at the request of Navajo families living there. Although it is not a traditional Navajo ceremony, no one should obstruct the freedom of religion of these families to practice their spirituality as they wish.

While I understand Hopi claims to jurisdiction over this matter, I find it much harder to understand why the Hopis would choose to deny these Navajo families the opportunity to organize and participate in religious ceremonies of their own choosing. Having the authority to stop the ceremony, as the Hopis claim, is a very different matter from choosing to stop it.

The spiritual issues at stake are very important. Our two peoples are going to continue to be neighbors until the end of time. We must look for opportunities where we can support each other. I would ask that the Hopis reconsider their approach to matters of Navajo religious practice on the HPL. A spirit of generosity towards the religious beliefs of these Navajo families will help foster a spirit of generosity between our two peoples on other matters.

My Administration will continue to support the right of HPL Navajo families to practice their spirituality as they choose. We will closely follow the judicial process for these five Navajos, as well as examine the legal and political options available to the Navajo Nation.

For the past two years, the Hopi Chairman and I have been meeting regarding issues related to the dispute and other issues common to both tribes. Situations such as this require a diplomatic approach with minimal interference from outsiders who only cause increased confusion and escalated emotions.