Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation

Episode 4: The Vote

Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: ABC News
Journalist: Charly Edsitty

Introduction

In Episode 4 of ABC News' award-winning podcast series "Reclaimed," titled "The Vote", host Charly Edsitty delves into the pivotal moment for the Navajo Nation as they approach a significant milestone in their long-standing fight for water rights. This episode captures the culmination of years of negotiations, community engagement, and emotional investment as the Navajo Council prepares to vote on a groundbreaking water settlement.

Background: Decades of Struggle for Water Rights

The Navajo Nation has historically faced substantial challenges in securing access to water within their reservation boundaries. Despite being the original inhabitants and stewards of the land, the tribe lacked guaranteed rights to the vital water flowing through their territory. Previous attempts to negotiate settlements, such as the unsuccessful 2012 deal, left the community yearning for a resolution that would ensure their sovereignty and sustainable future.

Negotiations: A Complex Web of Stakeholders

The quest for water rights culminated in February 2024 when the Navajo water rights team announced a proposed settlement. Led by Bita Becker, the Chief Legal Counsel to the President and Vice President of the Navajo Nation, the negotiations involved over 30 parties, including state and federal officials, agricultural businesses, neighboring tribes, and local city governments.

Bita Becker ([02:06]):

"Well, let me be clear. We've always had to get it done. We just have to get it done."

The settlement aimed to address multiple aspects of water access, including prioritizing water rights and establishing extensive infrastructure projects. One of the key components was the Inahpa Patu Akatsu pipeline, designed to redistribute water to the reservation's northern and western regions.

Bita Becker ([03:42]):

"There's a beautiful school that was built in the eastern side of the Navajo Nation. It was an award-winning school, meaning the architecture was award-winning. And they couldn't flush their toilets because they didn't have the sufficient water supply."

Community Engagement: Educating the Navajo Nation

To ensure community support, the water rights team utilized local media, particularly KTNN, the Navajo-centric radio station. Crystal Tuley Cordova, the Navajo Nation's Chief Hydrologist, spearheaded efforts to educate the public through frequent radio broadcasts and public meetings.

Crystal Tuley Cordova ([09:17]):

"Describe the details of the settlement so that there's... no game of telephone from derailing the council vote."

Her dedication included traveling across the reservation multiple times a week, often with her young child, to address concerns and clarify the settlement's benefits and compromises.

The Settlement: Terms and Infrastructure

The proposed settlement granted the Navajo Nation fourth priority rights in the lower basin of the Colorado River, entitling them to all of the Little Colorado River and formalizing rights to underground aquifers. Additionally, the settlement proposed $5 billion in federal funding for eight major infrastructure projects aimed at improving water distribution and access across 110 Navajo chapters.

Crystal Tuley Cordova ([12:14]):

"The Inahpa Patu Akatsu pipeline will diversify our water portfolio."

These projects were envisioned to alleviate systemic issues such as housing shortages, lack of jobs, and the exodus of young people from the reservation by fostering economic growth and improving living conditions.

Opposition and Concerns: Voices of Dissent

Despite the promising terms, not all community members were in favor of the settlement. Melanie Yazzie, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a member of the Dene Water Rights Coalition, voiced significant concerns about the deal's adequacy and the tribe’s lack of leverage.

Melanie Yazzie ([16:18]):

"We're being strong-armed essentially into accepting a bad deal. And the deal is bad because we are not respected as human beings."

She criticized the settlement for placing the Navajo Nation behind other large water users and questioned the fairness of tying federal funding to the acceptance of compromised water rights.

Melanie Yazzie ([17:37]):

"Indigenous people should never have to accept the best of a bad deal."

Her stance was echoed by the Dene Water Rights Coalition, which demanded higher priority on the Colorado River and clearer environmental protections.

The Vote: A Defining Moment

On May 23, 2024, the Navajo Council convened in Window Rock, Arizona, to cast their vote on the settlement. The tension was palpable as representatives, including Crystal Tuley Cordova and Bita Becker, awaited the outcome.

Crystal Tuley Cordova ([29:59]):

"Mr. Speaker, 22 in favor, zero opposed."

The council overwhelmingly voted 22-0 in favor, surpassing the required 16 votes needed for approval. This decisive vote marked a historic achievement for the Navajo Nation, reflecting broad support for the settlement's potential to transform the tribe’s access to water and infrastructure.

Bita Becker ([30:32]):

"And yeah, tears. Tears were definitely shed... it was a great day."

Earl Tooley, a long-time advocate and participant in the council, expressed profound relief and hope for future generations.

Earl Tooley ([31:16]):

"It felt really, really good."

Aftermath: Awaiting Federal Approval

While the tribal council's approval was a monumental step forward, the settlement still required federal ratification. Introduced on July 8th, federal legislation faced an uncertain future amidst political shifts and the advent of a new Congress. Concerns persisted that a change in administration could jeopardize the settlement's passage.

Crystal Tuley Cordova ([35:57]):

"Our hope is that they will [approve]. They will be able to see the opportunity that this provides..."

Personal Stories: The Human Element

The episode poignantly highlights personal narratives that embody the tribe’s struggles and aspirations. Kyle Lewis, a retired Marine, illustrates the daily hardships faced by many Navajo families still reliant on limited water access.

Kyle Lewis ([38:19]):

"We're still doing it. I'm about to go do it today. It doesn't stop."

His frustration underscores the urgency behind the settlement, emphasizing the tribe's desire for self-sufficiency and control over their destiny.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Sovereignty

"The Vote" encapsulates a crucial chapter in the Navajo Nation's enduring fight for water rights and self-determination. The tribal council's approval of the settlement represents both a triumph and a prelude to ongoing challenges as the tribe navigates federal processes and strives to realize the settlement's promises. Through dedicated leadership and resilient community engagement, the Navajo Nation stands on the brink of reclaiming its lifeblood—water—and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Notable Quotes

• Bita Becker ([02:06]):

  "We've always had to get it done. We just have to get it done."

• Crystal Tuley Cordova ([09:17]):

  "Describe the details of the settlement so that there's... no game of telephone from derailing the council vote."

• Melanie Yazzie ([17:37]):

  "Indigenous people should never have to accept the best of a bad deal."

• Crystal Tuley Cordova ([30:32]):

  "And yeah, tears. Tears were definitely shed... it was a great day."

• Earl Tooley ([31:16]):

  "It felt really, really good."

• Kyle Lewis ([38:19]):

  "We're still doing it. I'm about to go do it today. It doesn't stop."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 4 of "Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation," providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the Navajo Nation's pivotal vote on their water rights settlement, the complexities involved, and the personal stories that highlight the profound impact of this historic decision.