WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council joined Hopi Chairman Tim Nuvangyaoma, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) for a reception at the Navajo Nation Washington Office to celebrate the introduction of the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement before Congress.
In the Senate, the bill was introduced by Senators Kelly and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). In the House, it was introduced by U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ).
During the reception, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley emphasized the settlement’s role in securing prosperity for future generations of Diné, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute.
“It’s an exciting day to see this settlement introduced,” said Speaker Curley. “It’s been a long time coming. People doubted that three tribes could unite. This dispute was imposed on us, but with something as vital as water at stake, we came together – not for ourselves, but for our children.”
Hopi Chairman Nuvangyaoma called the settlement’s introduction a historic moment. “I want to thank our Navajo and San Juan Southern Paiute relatives for setting aside differences, as we did as Hopi,” he said. “This settlement isn’t for us – it’s for the sustainability and survival of future generations. It must happen.”
The proposed settlement guarantees access to meaningful and reliable Upper Basin Colorado River Water, as well as Fourth Priority Lower Basin Colorado River Water – an allocation more secure than CAP Non-Indian Agricultural water. It also provides the flexibility to transport Arizona water from New Mexico and Utah into Arizona, a practice currently prohibited under the Law of the River. Additionally, it allows Upper Basin Colorado River Water to be used in the Nation’s Lower Basin communities and vice versa.
The settlement would also secure nearly $5 billion for water delivery infrastructure, ensuring long-term water access. The investments are critical for improving water management and reliability. It also provides an alternative source of clean drinking water for Arizona communities that currently depend almost entirely on groundwater.
“As you know, water is everything,” said Sen. Kelly. “Without it, we can’t grow crops or maintain a decent standard of living. We must build bipartisan support to make this happen.”
Representative Crane expressed his commitment to the settlement’s success. “We have a lot of work ahead, and I’m honored to help push this across the finish line,” he said.
Navajo Nation Council Delegates Cherilyn Yazzie, Carl R. Slater, Germaine Simonson, and Nathan Notah also attended the reception.