FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – A relocation effort for tribes in northeastern Arizona has exceeded its expected lifetime by decades and cost by more than $500 million.
Federal officials are trying to figure out how to wrap up the work of the Office of Navajo-Hopi Indian Relocation.
It’s tasked with providing new homes to Navajos and Hopis ordered off each other’s land in one of the largest relocation efforts in U.S. history.
Dozens of Navajos still are waiting for benefits, while others are working through appeals. Congress has expressed frustration with the longevity of the relocation office, and its funding has been on the chopping block before. A congressional delegation recently visited the reservations to hear from tribal leaders.
Relocating tribal members aimed to resolve a longstanding land dispute that the federal government helped create.