As members of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, we have long recognized the intrinsic connection between our people, our culture, and the land that sustains us. Recent negotiations and legislation in Congress regarding Arizona tribal rights and Colorado River water access bring to light issues that are not just political but personal. These settlement negotiations hold significant implications for our community and the tribes of the Colorado River basin as a whole.
Understanding the Context
The Colorado River has been a lifeline for many Indigenous peoples, including our own. For centuries, we have cultivated a relationship with this vital resource, relying on its waters for sustenance, agriculture, and cultural practices. The legislation currently introduced in Congress aims to resolve water rights among the tribes in northeastern Arizona. The resolution of these matters is not only about water; it’s about reclaiming our rights, preserving our traditions, and safeguarding our future.
Not Just About Water
A tribe without land is a tribe without a future. Land is what allows Tribes to development economic opportunities, generate revenue, and continue to pass down our way of life to our children and our children’s children. The current legislation not only provides for safe and reliable drinking water, but it also ratifies a treaty signed by the Tribe and the Navajo Nation in 2000. The 2000 Treaty will create the San Juan Southern Paiute Reservation, made up of a 5,100-acre Southern area near Tuba City, Arizona and an additional 300-acre Northern Area near Navajo Mountain in Utah. Not only will the settlement ratify the 2000 Treaty, but it also provides for the water we need to make our reservation a true homeland for our people. The legislation provides funding to help create the infrastructure necessary to serve our Tribal Members. We will soon be able to provide permanent housing, effective sanitation, and reliable electricity and water.
Passage of this legislation will validate a promise the Navajo Nation and the Tribe made to each other over 24 years ago. Once ratified, we will finally be able to claim a small piece of this world as our own.
Recognizing the Challenges
Historically, the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe has faced numerous challenges in asserting our rights to land and water resources. The colonial legacy of dispossession has often left Indigenous communities marginalized, with our voices overshadowed in broader discussions about resource management. The proposed congressional deal aims to address some of these historical injustices and we remain cautiously optimistic. Legal recognition of our rights to Colorado River water is a vital step, yet we must ensure that our community’s unique needs and historical context are not overlooked in the overall water settlement.
Voices of Our People
As we reflect on these developments, it is crucial to hear from members of our community. Many of our elders remember a time when the rivers flowed freely, supporting our way of life. As we move forward, it is essential for younger generations to understand this history and its significance. Being stewards of our cultural heritage means advocating for our rights and taking an active role in discussions that could shape our future.
The Path to Equity
For the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, this moment is about respectfully claiming our place at the table. We advocate for equitable representation in the negotiations surrounding Colorado River water rights. The voices of all tribes need to be heard, and the legacy of our ancestors must guide our actions. We strive to collaborate with other tribes and stakeholders to ensure that our water rights are recognized and honored, not just in words but in policy and practice.
Looking Ahead
This water settlement hopefully reflects a commitment to justice for all tribes, including the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. Our aspirations extend beyond mere access to water; we envision a future where our cultural practices can be restored and where our people thrive sustainably on our own reservation.
We encourage our community members to stay informed and engaged in this process. Collective advocacy is essential to ensure that our rights and heritage are recognized and protected. It is a pivotal time for our tribe and our fellow Indigenous nations, and we have a unique opportunity to shape a future that honors our past.
In conclusion, we stand united in our commitment to uphold our heritage, advocate for our rights, and secure a sustainable future for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. Together, we can ensure that the Colorado River continues to nourish our people and our traditions for generations to come.
*Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, middle standing, and the Vice President of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Johnny Lehi Jr., right of Nygren, at the witness table in the Indian Affairs committee hearing room on Sept. 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Navajo Nation)
