One of the problems , as I understand it, is that because of treaties
made with the U.S. government, the Navajo land base has grown
remarkably over the years. The Hopi, who have never had treaty
relations with the government, see places that have been sacred
to the Hopi for centuries suddenly "owned" by the Navajos. I also
understand that the Hopis are not given free access to these places.
Yes, some Hopis are looking into the possibility of increasing
tourism as a way of survival. People have to eat and other people
are curious so it is a trade off, as practical as it is unfortunate.
However, the Navajo tribe has grown rich by making certain decisions
regarding the use of their land...uranium mines, etc,etc,etc, at
the expense of the long range health of their people and the
environment. The Hopi land is completely surrounded by Navajo land,
and the Hopi feel they have been sold out by newcomers who have
successfully gained land by entering into agreements with the
U.S. government, the sovereignty of which the Hopis have never
acknowledged.
Like Peter, I believe that the government and its practices of
"divide and conquer" have aggravated an already tense situation.
For the Hopis, the Navajos might look a little like Christopher
Columbus.
Paula Wagoner