Hopi turmoil could cause riot
Navajo councilor recalls 1989 MacDonald fracas

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Hopi Nation is dangerously close to repeating the situation that led the Navajo Nation into a period some tribal members know as "The Turmoil."

"I wish to comment on the Hopi governmental controversy, and speak neither as a Navajo tribal official, or from any other official capacity which I hold," said Navajo tribal member Casey Watchman.

His thoughts are "strictly based on distant observations as a neighbor to the Hopi Nation," Watchman said.

Following the turmoil within the Hopi government, Watchman said he sees "some alarming issues arising, which may erupt into a lot more than people are willing to pay."

"I see now that the vice-chairman of the Hopi Council was put in jail, the chief justice was removed and the elected tribal chairman leads two weeks at a time," Watchman said. "Are these events disconnected? Or is it just weird timing that all these events seem to be intertwined. What is going to happen next?"

Ben Nuvamsa was removed from his elected post as chairman in late March by the Hopi Tribal Council. He was elected during a special election February to replace Ivan Sidney, who was removed from office. However, Nuvamsa was removed for his post after only 27 days in office, after the council nullified his election, deciding he was not eligible to run because he did not meet residency requirements.

Vice Chairman Todd Honyaoma was arrested Monday on a contempt charge related to a feud between Nuvamsa and the council..

Former Hopi Chief Judge Gary LaFrance faces removal from office following charges of disorderly conduct and assault and battery at a girls' softball game when another parent made a comment about LaFrance's daughter, who was pitching that game.

The similarities of the current Hopi situation and the Navajo turmoil less than two decades ago are worth noting, Watchman believes.

"Take notice of what events led up to the killing of Navajo citizens in early 1989, which ultimately led to (Navajo Chairman) Peter MacDonald and others being sentenced to many years in the U.S. federal prison," Watchman said. "At that time, the insult the people felt led to them into taking up arms against the tribal government. There became a huge discord within the government. The rule of law became largely ignored, and those in conflict for power established their own court system, consisting of declaring their own judge, and Supreme Court.

"Physical scuffles ensued among police officers. Many cried that their government was taken away, and searched desperately for solutions. Was the turmoil worth some Navajo lives? There are now children and grandchildren who will never see their grandparents again, because they were taken during this ugly period of Navajo history."

During the time period known as "the turmoil," the government of the Navajo Nation was on the brink of collapse, Watchman said.

"The police command was muddled, because some of the officers chose to be bogged down with politics," he added.

At a police command meeting, an incident was described in the local newspaper as a 'near riot', where "everybody jumped" when the area commander announced "you're under arrest," Watchman said. "It was a 'scuffle' and 'tension was high'. Police officers squared off against each other in a policeman's brawl."

Whatever political differences arise, the rule of law must prevail, said Watchman, who is an attorney.

"There must be respect for order. Wise men and women can come to a just conclusion. No one should and must not take arms to express extreme displeasure with how things are turning out," he said.

What's happening at Hopi, could reverberate all across Indian Country, Watchman fears.

"On a broader level, all across Indian Country, there is continued opposition to Indian Court jurisdiction, with the support of the U.S. Supreme Court," Watchman said. "Non-Indian interests attack native courts by decrying that there can be no justice in native courts. Such events as the 1989 riot on the Navajo Nation, and events now leading up to the Hopi circumstances erode the native court's jurisdiction over everyone."

While he watches, hoping the tensions at Hopi ease soon, Watchman offers one piece of advice: "Tread carefully, my friends. There is a lot at stake here."

John Christian Hopkins can be reached at hopkins1960@hotmail.com or by calling 505-371-5443.