NAVAJO COUNCIL RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE now on LEGISLATION 0157-14: An Action relating to Resources and Development, Budget and Finance, and
Naabik’iyati’ Committees; approving the Memorandum of Agreement between the Navajo Nation and the National Park Service to implement a commercial permit program for Antelope Point, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Sponsor: Hon. Mel R. Begay, Council Delegate
DELEGATE MEL BEGAY AND NAVAJO NATION TOURISM ADMINISTRATOR ARVAL T. MC CABE
This agreement came about after National Parks overstepped their authority onto Navajo Nation Antelope Point Marina & Resort. In 2013, the tribe met with US Interior Department with President Shelly’s help to complete this agreement. The reason for consultation was for all businesses on Navajo Reservation to be registered with Navajo Business Regulatory Office so that Navajo business would receive preference for business at Antelope Point Marina and Resort.
In agreement, National Park Service has vendors agreement and Navajo Nation never imposed fees on businesses on Antelope Point so businesses would have to pay fees to Navajo Nation and National Park Service.
Right now, tribe charges $25 to register vendors with Navajo Business Regulatory Office. In order for business to come onto Navajo Reservation, they would have to pay annual fee to tribal Business Regulatory Office. National Park already charge fee and Navajo Nation didn’t.
DELEGATE ROSCOE SMITH
This speaks to fees of Navajo Nation and Grand Canyon National Park but what is land status? Fee land? HOw does National Park Service have jurisdiction?
NAVAJO NATION TOURISM ADMINISTRATOR ARVAL T. MC CABE
The land divided into three sections: National Park Service, BIA runs road to public ramp and no authority to block. part of dry dock in Antelope Mariana also belongs to NPS. So collect fee to enter Antelope Point Mariana. And when Navajo Nation built ramp, it encroached upon NPS so going back into negotiations with NPS.
RDC MEMBER DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
I think we shud Table and jealously protect Navajo jurisdiction.
RDC VICE CHAIRPERSON ROSCOE SMITH
What happened to land status? Did Navajo Nation give up jurisdiction?
DELEGATE MEL BEGAY
This issue is addressing on every simple question – we have vendor onsite which means that this is business action. This not about jurisdiction or land issue. Just giving pple privilege to Navajo businesses to operate at Antelope Point Marina and Resort.
DELEGATE DUANE TSINIGINIE
LeChee Chapter supports this legislation and they feel they have the right to know what businesses are there at Antelope Point Mariana and Resort, under jurisdiction of LeChee. This cud be grandfather to future agreements with other National Parks.
RDC VICE CHAIRPERSON SMITH
I understand that it’s a simple plan but it’s also a Memorandum of Agreement which has legal significance. Only reason ask is if there is issue with jurisdiction and whether Navajo Nation saying okay.
The previous entity, Navajo Parks and Recreation, was here before RDC and do they have anything to do with this?
RDC CHAIRPERSON BENALLY CALLS ON LEGISLATIVE ATTORNEY MARIANA KAHN FOR CLARIFICATION
I don’t have copy of land description so don’t know which part if fee land and NPS land. What is the land that is covered by this MOA?
RDC CHAIRPERSON BENALLY
Let’s have work session on 0157-14
DELEGATE MEL BEGAY
We agree that RDC needs more time.
RDC MEMBER DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
why is 0157-15 going to B&F? This is about real estate.
RDC CHAIRPERSON BENALLY
fees are being collected.
VOTE TO TABLE
4 in favor, 0 opposed
RDC will meet on 0157-14 on July 28. Location to be determined.
