Utah Navajos claim millions of dollars of oil and gas royalty payments from Indian lands have been squandered in recent years through fraud and mismanagement.
But with the passage of a bill reorganizing the Division of Indian Affairs, a new all-Navajo board will be created to manage and administer the Navajo Trust Funds.The bill, which was supported by Gov. Norm Bangerter, was initially opposed by Navajos, who objected to the makeup of the board. A compromise was reached in the waning moments of the session. "We have peace. Vote for it," said Rep. David Adams, R-Monticello.
It was the last bill to pass the session.