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November 13, 2007



Salt Lake City - Since Utah’s Navajo Trust Fund statute is set to sunset in 2008, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and Legislative Leadership have joined together in asking Congress to create a new disbursement system for the royalties.

Currently, 37½ percent of oil and gas royalties derived from the Utah portion of the Navajo Nation are administered by the State of Utah for the benefit of the Utah Navajos. The State of Utah is the only state in the Nation administering a trust fund for the benefit of American Indians whose lands are within state boundaries.

“The State of Utah has worked to administer this fund in the best interest of Utah Navajos,” Governor Huntsman said. “We are committed to helping the federal government and the Navajos find a more suitable way to distribute the royalties.”

“The people of the Navajo Nation deserve to actively create their own future without the interference and oversight of the State,” House Minority Leader Brad King said. “Congress will now have the opportunity to recreate the trust fund in a manner which recognizes their right to self-determination with respect to the Utah Navajo Trust Fund.”

The Utah Navajos have sought to have a more active role in the distribution of the royalties and this would present that opportunity. Legislative leadership has committed to provide a way to make the transition process as seamless as possible for the beneficiaries.

“We have been locked into a uniquely awkward relationship since 1933 but I know it can be better," Senate President John Valentine said. “By resigning our stewardship we are inviting Congress, the Navajo Nation, and San Juan Navajos to create a new distribution mechanism for those royalties. We look forward to a new relationship with our citizens and friends on Navajo lands.”

“The Utah Navajos should be in control of these royalties,” Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich said. “Our congressional delegation must create a vehicle to distribute these monies in a way that all of the Chapter Houses have input.”

“We have a unique opportunity to support the creation of a more appropriate system that will assign the rights and responsibilities of the royalties to the beneficiaries,” Speaker Greg Curtis said. “The commitments made by the trust fund will be fulfilled and we’re hopeful the Navajos’ best interests will be served by this change.”

3 Comments:

 Todd said...

Hurray!! This is long overdue. Now, if we could only do the same with school funding. How about letting our local school boards decided what they need to spend funds on, rather than dictating all of the different funding. The State Legislature could champion a little de-regulation.

11/13/2007 6:26 PM  

 Anonymous said...

This could be a step toward self-determination for Utah Navajos to have direct oversight of the utah navajo trust fund; however, more time is needed beyond June 2008 to prepare a comprehensive plan to carry out the transition process and to create a new trust fund distribution system. In my opinion, the Utah Governor and State Legislature granting a two to three years extension would be the most appropriate, humanstic method to achieve their intended sunset law legislation which would certainly serve the best interest of Utah Navajos.

1/09/2008 9:14 AM  

 Anonymous said...

Helllloooo! What's wrong with these mormons? You would think that these mormons are honest and truthful to what they do in the Capital. We are not stupid to believe that the Utah State is to designate another alternative trustee. Huntsman is just as guilty! The state government makes me sick to believe that they think they are honest!

3/19/2008 4:05 PM  

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