HERE AT NAVAJO COUNCIL’S RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING WHERE OWNER ROY CHAP MARTINEZ PUT HIS INDIVIDUAL INDIAN ALLOTTMENT FOR SALE. NAVAJO LAND DEPARTMENT OFFERED $800 AN ACRE.
RDC DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
As part of Cobell Settlement, there was funding from federal government to buy individual Indian allottments. What is happening with that? And Land Department Director Halona makes first offer of $160,000 so counter offer of $200,000.
LAND DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR SHIRLEY MC CABE
normally our practice is start with price of land in immediate area and seller using land price in Gallup and other areas. We maintain data base on some sales in those areas and we know what is high and what is low. So started at $800 acre and seller agreed.
NAVAJO DIVISION OF NATURAL RESOURCES FRED WHITE
This gentleman could have taken offer to US Interior Department and sold his property. But I don’t know if he would have received more or less. But the federal program to buy back Individual Indian Allottments is to consolidate the lands of allottees.
RDC DELEGATE L. TSOSIE
Why can’t we make proposals to federal government to make proposal to allottees?
NDNR FRED WHITE
Good question and the only problem is lot of disconnect. For example, the federal government made this offer to Indian Tribes up north first and then they came to Navajo Nation. And there has not been that much discussion with the Navajo Nation.
RDC CHAIRPERSON K. BENALLY
Fred White and Land Administration need to get on the ball. But suggest meeting here or there with federal government.
RDC DELEGATE L.TSOSIE
Amend this Legislation at page 3, line 10, to say that the Navajo Nation be reimbursed with funds from the Cobell Buy Back Program. SECONDED BY RDC DELEGATE LEONARD PETE
VOTE ON AMENDMENT AT 4:11 PM
4-0
RDC DELEGATE L. TSOSIE
So if Navajo Nation decides to use land for housing, will that be okay?
RDC CHAIRPERSON K. BENALLY
Once Navajo Nation buys, seller has no say.
VOTE AT 4:14 PM
4-0
LEGISLATION 0035-14 NOW GOES TO NAVAJO COUNCIL FOR FINAL APPROVAL
