Interior Department Recommends Legislation to Settle Boundary Dispute Between Navajo and Ute Mountain Tribes
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_001_4_63_40_0010
Dates
- May 20, 1967
- 90th (1967-1969)
Scope and Contents
The Department of the Interior has recommended the enactment of Federal legislation to establish a special three-judge Federal District Court to settle a boundary dispute between the Navajo and Ute Mountain Indian Tribes in New Mexico. The disputed area is a strip of land near the Colorado border, and millions of dollars are at stake. The dispute arose from conflicting treaties and acts defining the boundaries of the tribes' territories. The disagreement became more prominent with the discovery of oil in the area. Both tribes entered into a joint leasing agreement, but a supplemental agreement in 1965 removed the disputed strip from the agreement. The legislation being considered would allow for a three-judge court to decide the case with the right of direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. The Department of the Interior recommended an amendment to clarify that the United States is not a party in the litigation but consents to the settlement of the dispute between the two tribes.
Extent
2 pages
Creator
Non-Specified
Congress 90th (1967-1969)
Policy Area Courts--United States
Tribal Affiliation Navajo Indians
Congress 90th (1967-1969)
Policy Area Courts--United States
Tribal Affiliation Navajo Indians
- TypeDeliverableUnit
Repository Details
Part of the Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections Repository