HERE AT NAVAJO COUNCIL WHERE COUNCIL IN DEBATE OVER LEGISLATION THAT ASKS COUNCIL TO AUTHORIZE REFERENDUM FOR PEOPLE TO VOTE ON AMENDING TITLE 2 BY REMOVING COUNCIL AS GOVERNING BODY AND RETURN THAT POWER TO THE NAVAJO PEOPLE. THERE ALSO ARE FINDINGS IN THE LEGISLATION FROM NAVAJO NATION HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION THAT RECOGNIZES THAT THE NAVAJO PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO GOVERN THEIR LANDS AND TERRITORIES.

DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY is arguing that some of the language in Legislation 0369-12 is changing Title 2 or Navajo law and so it needs to go through the proper process for legislation.

But both NDOJ Deputy Attorney General Bobroff and Legislative Counsel Kahn advise that Legislation 0369-12 is not changing Title 2 and that it is only calling for a referendum for the Navajo People to change Title 2.

DELEGATE BENALLY continues to oppose Legislation 0369-12 by now claiming that there is a lot of policies in Legislation 0369-12 and so it needs more discussion and review by the Council’s standing committees.

DELEGATE MEL BEGAY
This legislation is also recalling Treaty of 1868. Our People are going to have trouble understanding this language and I don’t want them to be confused.

DELEGATE ALTON SHEPHERD
The language is only findings.