Naabik’iyati Committee still debating Legislation 0078-14, opposing use of disparaging references to native people in professional sports franchises.

DELEGATE WALTER PHELPS
I supported amendment because I wanted more info from Navajo Nation Tourism and Economic Development. We need due diligence first. We cud be shooting selves in foot if approve this legislation. So I motion to TABLE and ask for that information before we move forward.

DELEGATE ALTON SHEPHERD
Under floor rules, Phelps can’t make Tabling motion because he was second for motion on Legislation 0078-14.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL MARIANA KAHN
Tabling Motion: any delegate of council may make move to Table and Phelps is delegate. reading from Rule 18.

(It is now 6:58 pm and during the Naabi debate, some delegates, especially those that have repeatedly spoken about this legislation being “petty”, have taken a really long time to debate this legislation.)

DELEGATE RUSSELL BEGAYE
I’d like Delegate Butler to do survey of reservation teams.

DELEGATE BUTLER
This legislation is about professional sports franchises and the amendment by Delegate Curley changes intent. And if Curley wants to include high schools on Navajo reservation, then he can do own legislation. And whether we want it or not, the Navajo Nation is the leader in Indian Country. We are the strongest nation in the country and we shud make this statement to be heard far and wide. What are we saying if we don’t approve this legislation.

DELEGATE CURLEY
This is Council’s legislation and we can do what we want with it.

DELEGATE SHEPHERD
we are not Council.

DELEGATE CURLEY
Question of Privilege: Butler said Navajo Nation leader and now hearing that is not Council legislation.

TABLING MOTION VOTE. TIME IS NOW 7 PM
5 in favor, 4 opposed