DENVER, Colo. — On June 5, President Nygren met with Scott Cameron, Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, to discuss how to pave a path that will push a water rights settlement forward for the state of Arizona, the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation.
“This is one of the topics that we really all truly care about,” said President Nygren. “It’s an honor to be in a good circle to chat about how do we pave a path forward for our water in Arizona.”
President Nygren briefly explained how the Nation had received rainfall within the last couple of days and what it meant for the Navajo people. He also recognized the need for solutions to be made to address the water challenges and benefits of the Navajo Nation.
On the remarks of recent rainfall, Hopi Chairman, Timothy Nuvangyaoma shared insight on a Hopi ceremony that occurred over the weekend that yielded moisture to the land.
“What was brought forward in a time of extreme drought, heat and those conditions we are dealing with, it takes a lot of people to make those kinds of blessings happen,” said Chairman Nuvangyaoma.
Both remarks shared the significance of rain and roles that water plays for both the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Making a clear statement on why this water settlement needs to happen and how both tribes and the Seven Basin States can work together to make this happen.
Scott Cameron shared his appreciation for the shared knowledge and stated that he is willing to provide support in finding a solution that works for the people who live in the Seven Basin States.
Cameron noted questions relating to how these discussions will impacts tribes, the different types of water situations, and the ongoing meetings and current water agreements.
“I want to find a path where you can help us, and we can help you,” Cameron said to both tribal leaders.
