Phoenix, AZ – In a major step toward fulfilling a long-standing agreement, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior (DOI), the State of Arizona, and the Hopi Tribe have announced the filing of a “friendly condemnation” action to transfer over 20,000 acres of land to the United States. Once the Hopi Tribe deposits $3.9 million in compensation to the State of Arizona, these lands will be placed in trust for the Hopi Tribe, marking the first stage in a broader effort to transfer a total of 110,000 acres of land to the Tribe.
The lands being transferred, currently owned by the State of Arizona, are situated in northeastern Arizona and are interspersed with lands already owned by the Hopi Tribe. These lands have been leased to the Hopi Tribe for ranching purposes for many years. The transfer is part of a larger initiative envisioned by the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996, which aimed to resolve land disputes between the Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Tribe, and the United States government that had persisted for decades.
“This is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to resolve the long-standing land disputes in northeastern Arizona,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This transfer will help eliminate the fragmented ownership structure that has hindered the Hopi Tribe’s ability to fully utilize these lands for agriculture and ranching, and will provide the Tribe with greater economic opportunities.”
The initial transfer of over 20,000 acres is the first of a series of planned condemnation actions that will ultimately lead to the full transfer of approximately 110,000 acres. These actions are in accordance with the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996, which ratified a 1995 resolution to the land dispute. Once the transfer is complete, the U.S. Department of the Interior will hold the land in trust for the Hopi Tribe, effectively consolidating their land ownership and improving their ability to use the land for economic and cultural purposes.
A Historic Moment for the Hopi Tribe
The land transfer is especially significant for the Hopi Tribe, whose land holdings in the region have long been fragmented, making it difficult to manage and utilize the land effectively. Chairman Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma of the Hopi Tribe expressed his gratitude for the efforts that have made the transfer possible, marking the 30th anniversary of the Hopi-Navajo Land Settlement Act of 1996.
“Today is not only a historic day, it is also a day of celebration for the Hopi Tribe. The 1996 Hopi-Navajo Land Settlement Act is being fulfilled, and we are now seeing the fruits of decades of hard work,” said Chairman Nuvangyaoma. “I want to thank all the dedicated leaders and staff who made this a reality, particularly Governor Hobbs, Secretary Haaland, and Commissioner Sahid. This moment also coincides with the Hopi New Year’s ceremony, the Soyal’ang, which symbolizes renewal and revitalization. It is a fitting time for such a momentous event.”
Benefits to the State of Arizona
As part of the agreement, the State of Arizona will receive just compensation for the lands being transferred. Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her pride in the collaboration between the state and the Hopi Tribe, highlighting the agreement’s potential to benefit both the state and the tribe.
“After nearly three decades of the Hopi fighting for their rights, I’m proud to enter into this historic agreement,” Governor Hobbs said. “This deal is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together in good faith to right the wrongs of the past. This transfer will not only benefit the Hopi Tribe, but it will also support the growth and prosperity of all Arizonans.”
Looking Ahead: Economic Opportunities for the Hopi Tribe
For the Hopi Tribe, the transfer of land into trust is expected to have far-reaching economic benefits. The land being transferred includes areas near Winslow, Arizona, which have long been used by the Hopi Tribe for agricultural and ranching purposes. Bringing these lands under cohesive ownership will enable the tribe to manage the land more effectively and expand its economic activities.
“This land holds both sacred and economic significance for the Hopi Tribe,” said Solicitor Bob Anderson of the Department of the Interior. “The transfer will support ranching and agricultural activities that are vital to the Tribe’s economic future, while also ensuring that these lands are preserved for future generations.”
In addition to the Hopi land transfer, the Navajo Nation has also made progress in its land settlement with the U.S. government. In November 2024, the Navajo Nation signed a warranty deed to take into trust a parcel of land near Flagstaff, Arizona. This parcel is part of the broader federal efforts to address the legacy of forced relocations that occurred as part of the Hopi-Navajo land dispute. Navajo leaders are considering the development of a casino on the newly acquired land, which could provide significant economic benefits to the Nation.
The filing of this friendly condemnation is a crucial first step in a long-awaited process to resolve the land disputes that have affected both the Hopi and Navajo Tribes for decades. With the collaboration of the federal government, the State of Arizona, and the Hopi Tribe, this historic land transfer brings the tribes closer to achieving cohesive land ownership that will support both economic development and cultural preservation for generations to come.
The Justice Department, DOI, and other stakeholders remain committed to continuing this process and ensuring that all affected parties benefit from the resolution of the land dispute.
