The United States has agreed to pay the Navajo nation a US$554 million settlement, the largest ever paid out to a single Native American tribe.
The settlement resolves a long standing legal dispute, where it was claimed the US government did not act in the best interests of the Navajo nation when handling their funds and natural resources.
Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly hailed the verdict as a "victory for tribal sovereignty", adding,
He went on to say,
The settlement resolves a long standing legal dispute, where it was claimed the US government did not act in the best interests of the Navajo nation when handling their funds and natural resources.
Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly hailed the verdict as a "victory for tribal sovereignty", adding,
"After a long, hard-won process, I am pleased that we have finally come to a resolution on this matter to receive fair and just compensation for the Navajo Nation."The decision was also praised by US Attorney General Eric Holder, who said the agreement showed the Justice Department's commitment to "strengthening our partnership with tribal nations."
He went on to say,
“This landmark resolution ends protracted and burdensome litigation.. It will provide important resources to the Navajo Nation, and it fairly and honorably resolves a legal conflict.”The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States of America, with more than 300,000 members spread over 27,000 square miles.