A proposed water rights settlement for three Native American tribes in Arizona has taken a significant step forward with the introduction in the Navajo Nation Council. The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, alongside the Navajo and Hopi tribes, is on the verge of finalizing a pivotal agreement that could potentially provide water to tens of thousands of tribal members who currently lack access to running water. This landmark agreement, which seeks to obtain water from a variety of sources including the Colorado River, the Little Colorado River, aquifers, and washes on tribal lands, marks a significant milestone in the tribes' ongoing quest for water security and sovereignty.
The proposed settlement, with a price tag larger than any such agreement enacted by Congress, aims to address the pressing need for water in tribal communities and safeguard their water rights. The involvement of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, led by tribal President Robbin Preston Jr., signifies a critical step towards securing a sustainable water future for the tribe and its members. The settlement's potential economic opportunities and guaranteed water deliveries offer hope and pride to the tribe, reflecting the significance of this proposed agreement for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and the wider Colorado River tribes.
Special Thank You
On behalf of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Julia Kolsrud for her exceptional dedication and unwavering advocacy in securing vital water rights for our community. Her remarkable contributions have been instrumental in paving the way for a sustainable water future, profoundly impacting our access to this invaluable resource.
Her expertise in tribal water law and steadfast commitment to our cause have not only shaped our present but have also laid the foundation for a brighter and more secure future for our tribe. Her tireless efforts have led to significant achievements that have directly improved our access to water resources, providing hope and empowerment to our community.
We are deeply appreciative of her pivotal role in advocating for our tribal water rights and ensuring that our voices are heard. Her guidance and leadership have been a beacon of hope, and we are immensely grateful for the positive impact she has had on our tribe's well-being.
What's Next
The next steps in finalizing the settlement involve the completion and approval of the terms by the Navajo Nation's governing bodies, the state of Arizona, the other involved parties, and ultimately by Congress. The proposed historic water settlement with the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes, decades in the making, aims to provide water to tens of thousands of tribal members in Arizona who currently lack access to it. Once finalized, the agreement would allow the tribes to avoid costly litigation and court proceedings, marking a significant milestone in their efforts to secure water rights from sources including the Colorado River, the Little Colorado River, and tribal lands' aquifers and washes.
Additionally, Congress may be asked to establish a small reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, a process started by Johnny Lehi Sr. and pushed forward by current Vice President (former President) Johnny Lehi Jr., and the agreement is separate from the long-term plan for sharing the diminishing water source of the Colorado River basin. The involvement of federal and state leaders, as well as the efforts to ensure tribal members are aware of the settlement's terms, reflect the comprehensive approach to finalizing this historic water settlement 1.
