Navajo lawmakers to debate monument, smoking bills

Navajo lawmakers mull bills to seek control of national monument, ban smoking in public places

• By Felicia Fonseca, Associated Press Writer
• On 11:28 am EDT, Monday October 19, 2009

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- Navajo lawmakers will have a crowded agenda when they meet this week for their fall session, and many of the bills have been considered before.

Those include legislation to seek full control of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, to outlaw piracy, to ban the use of tobacco in public places, and to repeal a set of laws based on the tribe's centuries-old traditional values and customs.

The 88-member Tribal Council meets quarterly in Window Rock for weeklong sessions. Delegates will hear reports from the leaders of the executive and legislative branches on Monday before considering a list of 20 bills.

Canyon de Chelly, near Chinle, sits entirely on tribal land. A 1930s agreement between the tribe and the federal government allows it to be administered by the National Park Service, but the land remains Navajo-owned.

Council Delegate George Arthur wants that agreement repealed, and the management of the 83,000-acre monument turned over to the tribe along with federal funding. Supporters say it would strengthen the tribe's sovereignty and demonstrate its expertise and competence in administering tribal land.

Navajos who live and operate tours in the canyon have been divided over how much involvement they think the Park Service should have in overseeing the monument. Some favor a joint management plan, while others want the Park Service out of the picture.

The bill came before delegates in September 2008 but was pulled off the agenda, pending public hearings.

During the same session, delegates failed to override a veto of a bill to ban smoking and chewing tobacco in public places on the reservation.

Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. rejected the measure because he feared it would inhibit gambling revenue.

Shirley's spokesman George Hardeen said Friday he doesn't believe the president's position has changed.

"It's a good concept but unnecessary legislation," he said. "You hardly ever see a Navajo person smoking."

The council's Judiciary and Economic Development Committees recommended the measure be amended to exclude gaming facilities.

The bill's sponsor, Thomas Walker Jr., has agreed that tobacco use is not a huge problem on the reservation. But he said the intent is to discourage young people from smoking, to provide protection against secondhand smoke and to help others kick the habit.

Delegates also will consider legislation strike what's known as "Dine Fundamental Law," from the tribal code. The fundamental laws are a largely undefined set of laws that that have guided the upbringing of many Navajos and served as the basis for their way of life.

Buzz up!