Volume 32 (2024)

Volume 32

Number 23

WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER

4, 2024

54˚/26˚

Sunnyy skies

~Est. 1987 • OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE HOPI TRIBE • NEWS SOURCE FOR THE HOPI PEOPLE~

Governor Hobbs Signs Two Historic Tribal

Water Rights Settlement Agreements

Governor Hobbs

Signs Two Historic

Tribal Water Rights

Settlement

Agreements...pg. 7

New NN

Tobacco Tax

Signed into

Law... PG 4

Hopi Tribal Council

4th Quarter Session

MONTH OF NOVEMBER

2024 AGENDA

AMENDMENT #1

COMMUNITY

Page 2-3

Hopi Tutuveni wishes all a

very safe and HAPPY

HOLIDAYS

Hopi Tribal Chairman and Arizona

Governor speak as Water Settlement

Effort Enters Critical Phase in Congress

..see pg. 6 for details

HOPI TUTUVENI

PO BOX 123

KYKOTSMOVI, AZ 86039

1110-01600-7460

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

2

Hopi Tutuveni December 4, 2024

HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL

4th Quarter Session

MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2024

AGENDA – AMENDMENT #1

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. CERTIFICATIONS OF COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS

1. Oath of Office – Maude Yoyhoeoma, Tribal Council Representative,Village of Sipaulovi

III. ROLL CALL

IV. INVOCATION / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

V. ANNOUNCEMENTS / RECOGNITION OF DIGNITARIES OR GUESTS

VI. CORRESPONDENCE

VII. CALENDAR PLANNING

1. Land Commission

2. Water/Energy Committee

3. Transportation Committee

4. Law & Order Committee

5. Investment Committee

6. Health/Education Committee

7. Hopi Gaming Committee

VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

IX. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XI. NEW BUSINESS

1. Discussion & Possible Action – Letter dated September 24,

2024 RE: Council Appointment to the Hopi Benefits Com

mittee. From Jim Davis, Finance Director Tabled to Decem

ber 1, 2024

2. Action Item #059-2024 – to modify Ordinance #36 Educa

tion Code. Author Fred Lomayesva, General Counsel, Of

fice of the General Counsel Time Certain - November 26,

2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

3. Action Item #062-2024 – to rescind partially H-057-2022

Orayvi Well 3-phase power to replace HUC and pass through

the money directly to the Village of Orayvi. Author Sarah

Abney, Water Resources Manager - Approved on November

6, 2024

4. Action Item #063-2024 – to approve Resolution in sup

port for the protection of cultural resources and sacred sites

on public lands for the Great Sage Plain and “The Lands

Between” – Author/Alfred Lomaquahu, Registrar, Hopi

Elections Office Approved on November 6, 2024

5. Action Item #066-2024 – to join the Avi Kwa Ame Nation

al Monument Advisory Committee – Stewart B. Koyiyumpte

wa, Historical Preservation Officer, Tribal Historic Preser

vation Officer, Office of the Chairman

6. Action Item #067-2024 – to approve a Lease of Real Prop

erty with Verizon Wireless – Author/LeRoy N. Shingoitewa,

Tribal Council Representative, Hopi Tribe - Request OGC

& Representatives from Realty and HTI to be present.

• Tabled on Nov. 6, 2024- Rescheduled with time certain

for November 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

7. Action Item #068-2024 - to approve an Amendment to the

OGC’s Budget - Author/Fred Lomayesva, General Counsel,

Office of the General Counsel AI Withdrawn by General

Counsel Fred Lornayesva

8. Action Item #069-2024 - to approve applicants for mem

bership in the Hopi Tribe - Author/LouEllen Nutumya,

Enrollment Coordinator, Hopi Tribe Enrollment Office

Approved November 5, 2024

9. Action Item #070-2024 - to accept award for grant PLA

ZFVPS from the Department of Health and Human Services

for the next five years - Author/Theron Honyumptewa, Vic

tim Advocate Interim Director, Hopi Domestic Violence

Office

Program to Amend Action Item & resubmit

10. Action Item #073-2024 - to approve engineering

consultant, ARDURRA, to enter into a contract with the

Hopi Tribe to perform construction management services

on Project No. HIR 2(12)-Kachina Point Road-Phase 1 for

the Hopi Department of Transportation - Author/Leonard

Scott, Civil Engeneer Technician, Hopi Department of

Transportation

AI - Withdrawn

11. Action Item #074-2024 - to withdraw the Village of Mis

hongnovi’s carry over funds for the years 2005-2020 Author/Malinda Andrews, Chairperson, Village of Mis

hongnovi Board of Directors

Approved Nov. 5, 2024

12. Added - Action Item #076-2024 - to authorize up to $25

million for land acquisition pursuant 1996 Settlement Act

- Author Leroy Shingoitewa, Water/Energy Chairman and

HTC Representative, UVM Approved on Nov. 7, 2024

13. Action Item #077-2024 - to request for Special Revolving

Account for Water Resources Program - Author/Carrie

Joseph

14. Moenkopi Day School, Basic Financial Statement and

Single Audit Reports, Year ended June 30, 2023 - Steven

Toglia, CSA Moenkopi Day School - Request to present

in December 2024

15. Presentation: Research on Native Deaf Communities &

...Continued pg. 5

Hopi Tutuveni December 4, 2024

HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL

4th Quarter Session

MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2024

Agenda - AMENDMENT #1, cont.,

Continued from pg. 4

Request to Distribute Survey to Hopi Community - Dr. Malanie Mckay-Cody, Assistant Professor, UofA

16. Presentation: 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) - Brian Cole, Building Communities & Andrew Gashwazra,

Director, OCPED/LIS Completed - Nov. 6, 2024

17. Discussion & Possible Action – Letter of Interest for Hopi Election Regular/Alternate member position from Meredith Qotswisiwma

Time Certain - November 25, 2024 @ 2:00 p.m.

18. Letter dated August 7, 2024 RE: Hopi Tribe Pandemic Recovery Committee from Samuel R. Shingoitewa Jr.

19. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated August 23, 2024 From Fred Lomayesva, General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel. RE:

Memorandum from Virgilyn Talas dated August 16, 2024.

20. Discussion & Possible Action - Email dated August 29, 2024 From Fred Lomayesva, General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel Re:

ANDREWS NA AND LETTER 8.29.2024.

21. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated September 18, 2024 RE: Letter of interest in serving on the Hopi Elections Committee. From

Timothy Randolph - Chairman Nuvangyaoma Time Certain - November 25, 2024 @ 2:30 p.m.

22. Discussion & Possible Action - Email dated September 25, 2024 From Fred Lomayesva, General Counsel RE: Justice Sekaquaptewa,

Notice of Disclosure

23. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated September 30, 2024 From Wendell Honanie Sr., Kykotsmovi Tribal Representative RE: Resig

nation from the Pro Tem Designation - Hopi Tribal Council Completed

24. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated October 14, 2024 RE: Suspension of Vice Chairman Craig Andrews and Councilman Nor

man Honanie. From Leroy Shingoitewa, Upper Village of Moenkopi HTC Representative

25. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated October 23, 2024 RE: Solid Waste Program bill and other matters. From Dale Sinquah,

FMCV/HTC Representative

26. Letter dated October 4, 2024 - Request fro Time Certain Date with Hopi Tribal Council. From Eugene Talas, Chairperson, BOT - HTC

proposed time certain for October 23, 2024 - 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. - 2nd Request received for November 4, 2024 time certain - Complet

ed on Nov. 4, 2024

27. Discussion & Possible Action - Letters from Angeline Joseph dated October 3, 2024 RE: Grievance & Discharge with no due process.

28. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated October 15, 2024 from Wilber Kay, Village Administrator, FMCV RE: Request for copy of

HUC’s approval to construct HAMP and BIA water lines within ADOT’s Rights-of-way. - Dale Sinquah

29. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated November 1, 2024 from Selwyn Sekaquaptewa, Water Utility General Manager, HUC RE:

Village wholesale Water Agreements Presentation- Selwyn Sekaquaptewa

30. Discussion & Possible Action - Letter dated October 24, 2024 from Todd Honyoama Sr.’s request for a Public Forum on Ordinance 36 Chairman Nuvangyaoma

31. Letter of Interest for Hopi Tribal Secretary dated October 30, 2024 from Lamar Keevama- Interview Time Certain for November 25, 2024@

1:00 p.m.

32. Letter of Interest for Hopi Tribal Secretary dated November 8, 2024 from Dwayne Secakuku - Interview Time Certain for November 25,

2024@ 1:30 p.m.

XII. REPORTS

1. Office of the Chairman

2. Office of the Vice Chairman

3. Office of Tribal Secretary

4. Office of the Treasurer

5. Office of the General Counsel

6. Land Commission

7. Water/Energy Committee

8. Transportation Committee

9. Law & Order Committee

a. Letter dated July 21, 2024 - Timothy NV. Nelson regarding resignation of Hopi Conflict Prosecutor. Tabled - Pending Report from Law&Order Committe

10. Investment Committee

11. Health/Education Committee

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

*Hopi Tribal Council may go into Executive Session on any agenda item

**Time Certain Requests

3

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

4

Hopi Tutuveni December 4, 2024

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services

Covid-19 Emergency Response - Re-publication

Submitted By Joyce Hamilton, Director

Kykostmovi, Ariz. – June 26, 2024 Immunizations are your best defense

against severe illness if you are diagnosed with the Flu, RSV and CIVID-19.

The season of germs and viruses will continue to be amongst us; the best protection to avoid severe illness and sickness is to get updated on your family’s

immunizations. You may have been hearing family discussing COVID-19 diagnosis being a result of large gatherings within the month of June. Gatherings

with family during the summer season is common due to the ceremonial and

cultural activities, graduation celebrations, birthday celebrations and planting

parties.

The Hopi Health Care Center encourages and recommends the following:

1.

Everyone 6 months and older, regardless of current vaccination status,

should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against COVID-19 illness.

2.

People with symptoms should still mask and get tested for COVID-19.

3.

Those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illness should continue

to follow current guidelines for isolation including staying home and wearing

a mask around others for at least 5 days after their symptoms started or after a

positive test if no symptoms.

4.

Those exposed to COVID-19 should continue to follow recommendations including wearing a mask around others.

5.

People may choose to wear a mask at any time based on personal preference, but may be required in other places by local authorities (i.e., individual

villages, businesses, and schools).

Many individuals and family members have deterred from the practice of

wiping down frequently touched surfaces and staying home when ill. Get back

in the habit of wiping down frequently touched surfaces to eliminate germs to

protect family from illness. Most important message is for one to stay home if

you have flu like symptoms to avoid getting others ill.

For questions regarding services you may contact the Department of Health

and Human Services at Jhamilton@hopi.nsn.us

New Tobacco Tax Signed into Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By: Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson

Window Rock, Ariz —November 10, 2024, On Friday afternoon in the State Room

at the Office of the President and Vice President, the Tobacco Products Tax was signed

into law by President Buu Nygren. The law also includes the Nicotine Products and

Electronic Smoking Products Tax.

The Navajo Nation Council passed the law during the Fall Session in October. The

law increases the tax rate on tobacco and nicotine products at retail outlets on the

Navajo Nation.

“The tax increases on tobacco and nicotine sends a strong message in our work to

reduce purchases on addictive and harmful products,” Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson

said.

“Our mission in creating a healthier Navajo Nation is to dissuade cigarette, e-cigarette, and vaping purchases. This is unprecedented in any Tribal and State jurisdiction

in the United States.”

Youth on the Navajo Nation are at risk shown in statistics as high as 41 percent in

usage. A rate of 40 percent of high school students have used e-cigarettes and vaping

products.

The law signed by President Nygren became effective as he signed it on Friday. The

Navajo Tax Commission will have charge in implementing the new law.

“We began this as a community base initiative,” Thomas Walker, Jr. said at the signing ceremony. “Involved were elders, community members, traditional practitioners

for years. We followed these efforts in making commercial tobacco control policies for

the Navajo Nation. It’s here now. Tax collection on these products will go to Department of Health to be used as a deterrent on smoking. Thomas Walker, Jr. is a member of the Air is Life Coalition, and a former Council Delegate of the Navajo Nation

Council.

All tax collections on tobacco and nicotine products will put into a fund and transferred to the Navajo Nation Department of Health. It will fund the Office of Traditional Cultural and Spiritual Healing, while providing non-competitive grant opportunities to traditional healer organizations.

“This legislation is vital to our process of reclaiming our sacred ceremonial tobacco,” Hershel Walker Clark said. “We need to stand firm against the injustices that the

tobacco industry has done to one of our sacred plants given to us by the Diyin Diné’é.”

The Air is Life Coalition thanks the many participants who worked for more than

a year the tax amendments. Organizations such as the Arizona Tobacco Free Kids,

American Nonsmoker’s Rights Foundation, and the Arizonans Concerned About

Smoking. Former Council Delegate for Teesto Chapter David S. Clark and his wife

Geraldine sat besides President Nygren during the signing ceremony. Clark is also a

long time spiritual leader of the Azee’ Bee Nahagha’ of Diné Nation.

Other dignitaries who were present were Council Delegate Carl Slater, the sponsor

of the legislation, Effie Edsitty, executive director for the Navajo Tax Commission, and

Mae Gilene Begay, president of Forrest Lake Chapter.

Other co-sponsors of the legislation are Council Delegates Helena Nez Begay, Curtis

Yanito, Lester C. Yazzie, Shaandiin Parrish, and Nathan Notah.

The Air is Life Coalition extends appreciation to Sherlene Yazzie, executive director

for the Department of Health, the staff for the department, and Kim Russell, former

executive director for the Department of Health. Appreciation is also extended to the

Office of the Legislative Counsel, Luralene Tapahe, attorney, and the Navajo Nation

Department of Justice.

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Hopi Tutuveni December 4, 2024

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Hopi Tutuveni December 4, 2024

6

Hopi Tribal Chairman and Arizona

Governor speak as Water Settlement

Effort Enters Critical Phase in Congress

The Hopi Tribe P.O. Box 123 Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039

Ph: (928) 734-3281 • Ph: (928) 734-3283

Editorial Board of the Hopi Tutuveni

Wilma Dengavi , Gary LaRance, George Mase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hopi Tutuveni Staff

Submitted by: Office of the Chairman

Managing Editor - Romalita Laban

RLaban@hopi.nsn.us

Kykotsmovi, Ariz.- November 20, 2024 Hopi Tribal Chairman Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma and

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs spoke following the Governor’s signing of the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement. This landmark agreement, decades in the making, aims to resolve long-standing water rights issues impacting the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation,

and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and other water users in the region.

“We are closer than ever to making this historic water settlement a reality, due in no small

part to Governor Hobbs’ steadfast commitment to water certainty in Arizona and the dedicated

efforts of Director Buschatzke and the Arizona Department of Water Resources,” said Chairman

Nuvangyaoma. “I am optimistic that this coalition of Tribal and State leadership can gain the

support of the other six basin states and get this bill passed in this Congress.”

The agreement is part of the federal bipartisan Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, which is now entering a crucial phase in Congress. Passage of the Act in this Congress depends on reaching a consensus among the seven states that share the Colorado River:

Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. The seven states are

parties to the Colorado River compact, a 1922 agreement that allocates water rights based on

each state’s location in the Upper Basin or Lower Basin—the two major areas of land where the

Colorado River and its tributaries drain.

The Hopi Reservation and Navajo Reservation occupy a unique location that straddles the

divide between the Upper Basin and Lower Basin. Because of this, the Tribes need to move Colorado River water between the two Basins to meet the needs of their people across their Reservations.

But movement of water between these two regions has implications for the interests of all seven

Basin states and resolution of these interstate issues is complicated by parallel river management

efforts underway as part of the “Colorado River Post 2026 Operations” process which involves

Basin states, Basin tribes, and the federal government.

“I recognize that each of the Basin states has valid interests in the management of the Colorado

River.” Stated Chairman Nuvangyaoma, speaking on the importance of getting the settlement approved in this Congress. “It is imperative that we move forward—failure is simply not an option.”

Office of the Governor Katie Hobb’s official press release can be read here: https://azgovernor.

gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2024/11/governor-hobbs-signs-two-historic-tribal-waterrights

For more information, please contact the Hopi Tribe Office of the Chairman at (928) 734-3112

###

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Hopi Tutuveni December 4, 2024

Governor Hobbs Signs Two Historic Tribal Water Rights

Settlement Agreements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7

Hopi Tribal Council

Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma,

Chairman

Craig Andrews

Vice Chairman

By: Office of the Governor - State of Arizona

Phoenix, Ariz. - November 20, 2024 On Tuesday, Governor Katie Hobbs signed the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement

Agreement (NAIWRSA) and the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement (YANWRSA), settling four Tribal nations’ water

rights claims.

The signing of the Northeastern Arizona and Yavapai-Apache tribal settlements marks a critical milestone along the path to ensure reliable and

sustainable water supplies to the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and Yavapai Apache Nation. For decades, generations of tribal members have fought to secure water supplies for their homelands and put an end to years of litigation. Through the extraordinary

efforts of the tribes, northern Arizona communities, and the State, a resolution has been reached and an agreement brokered, providing water

reliability for tribal and non-tribal parties alike.

“This is a historic moment for the State of Arizona, Tribal nations, and all parties to these agreements. They create a consequential and lasting

impact by securing a sustainable water supply for tens of thousands of Arizonans and helping local economies thrive,” said Governor Katie Hobbs.

“I’m proud to be a part of this solution that many Arizona families have fought to get for generations. It’s a testament to their strength and determination, as well as my commitment to collaborate with Arizona’s Tribal nations and protect water supplies for all Arizonans.”

The NAIWRSA settles the outstanding tribal water rights claims to the Colorado River, the Little Colorado River, and groundwater sources in

Northeastern Arizona. Water infrastructure funded through this settlement will help alleviate the lack of safe, reliable water supplies for members

of all three Tribes, and help ensure the access to clean running water that all Arizonans deserve.

“I want to thank Governor Hobbs for her leadership in helping us reach this historic agreement. I also want to thank the team at the Arizona Department of Water Resources for all of their work,” said President Buu Nygren of the Navajo Nation. “With their help, I’m confident we can build a

consensus with the seven basin states to get this through Congress.”

“We are closer than ever to making this historic water settlement a reality, due in no small part to Governor Hobbs’ steadfast commitment to

water certainty in Arizona and the dedicated efforts of Director Buschatzke and the Arizona Department of Water Resources,” said Chairman

Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma of the Hopi Tribe. “I am optimistic that this coalition of Tribal and State leadership can gain the support of the other six

basin states and get this bill passed in this Congress”.

Additionally, NAIWRSA ratifies a treaty, providing the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe with 5,400 acres after sharing territory with the Navajo

Nation for the last 160 years. Passage of NAIWRSA is a monumental step in guaranteeing the Paiute Tribe has a home for generations to come.

“The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe sincerely appreciates Governor Hobbs’ steadfast support for the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights

Settlement Agreement,” Vice President Johnny Lehi Jr. of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. “Governor Hobbs’ dedication to ensuring passage of

the water settlement demonstrates her commitment to the Native American Tribes in Arizona. We are grateful for her continued partnership to

ensure the cultural and environmental viability of our tribal homeland.”

Governor Hobbs also signed the YANWRSA, which secures safe and sustainable water supplies for the Yavapai Apache Nation, while also preserving and protecting the Verde River. It includes building a 60-mile water pipeline from C.C. Cragin Reservoir on the Mogollon Rim to deliver

water to the Yavapai-Apache Nation, providing water certainty to the Nation and neighboring non-tribal communities.

“We are proud to have reached this critical milestone for the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the Verde River, which is at the heart of our cultural

way of life,” said Chairwoman Tanya Lewis of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. “This comprehensive water rights settlement not only ensures water

certainty for the Nation but also supports a healthy Verde River, benefiting the entire Verde Valley and our downstream neighbors in metropolitan

Phoenix.”

The NAIWRSA and YANWRSA will end decades of conflict and litigation for Tribes, cities, towns, farmers, companies, and others that have

sought a water rights solution in Arizona state court since 1974. To become effective, Congress will need to pass legislation to approve the settlements and provide funding for water projects.

Governor Hobbs previously announced her commitment to partnering with Arizona’s Tribes and securing safe and reliable water for all Arizonans. Under Governor Hobbs’ leadership, the State of Arizona has jump-started tribal water right settlement discussions with a commitment to

reaching a resolution as a cooperative partner, and removing barriers and roadblocks to settlement that have caused agreements to languish for

years. Notably, the Governor reversed an antiquated policy that infringed upon tribal sovereignty and had restricted lands from being taken into

trust for Tribes through the federal administrative process as a condition of a water rights settlement.

###

Tribal Secretary

Nada Talayumptewa,

Tribal Treasurer

Alfonso Sakeva,

Sergeant-At-Arms

Village of Upper

Moenkopi

William Charley

Robert Charley

Leroy Shingoitewa

Philton Talahytewa

Village of Bakabi

Ruth Kewanimptewa

Clifford Qotsaquahu

Village of Kyakotsmovi

Danny Honanie

Norman Honanie

Wendall Honanie

Village of Sipaulavi

Raymond Namoki

Maude Yoyhoeoma

Village of Mishongnovi

Arthur Batala

Ronald Humeyestewa

Marilyn Tewa

First Mesa Consolidated

Villages

Albert T. Sinquah

Dale Sinquah

Wallace Youvella, Jr.

Judith Youvella

Hopi Tutuveni December 4, 2024

8