Justice Department Files to Transfer 45,000 Acres from Arizona to Hopi Tribe

Today, the Justice Department and Department of the Interior announced the filing of a "friendly condemnation" to effect the transfer of more than 45,000 acres of land from the State of Arizona to the United States to be held in trust for the Hopi Tribe. Upon the Hopi Tribe depositing $8.4 million in the registry of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona as the estimate of just compensation, title to the land will pass from Arizona to the United States. Interior will then immediately place the lands into trust for the Hopi Tribe.

The filing is the second in a series of condemnation actions that will ultimately bring over 270,000 acres of land - including over 110,000 acres of condemned Arizona state trust lands - into united ownership for the benefit of the Hopi Tribe.

"Today's filing is another example of the executive branch faithfully carrying out the laws that Congress enacted," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). "As directed by the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996, the Department of Justice is condemning, with Arizona's consent, over 45,000 acres of Arizona state trust lands using funds provided by the Hopi Tribe, and the Department of the Interior will transfer those lands into trust status for the Tribe. In carrying out this law, the United States is proud to assist the Hopi Tribe in the continued expansion of their trust lands and growth of their ranching operations."

"This filing marks a significant milestone in fulfilling long-standing commitments to the Hopi Tribe and reflects the Trump administration's focus on building strong, enduring tribal partnerships," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "By placing these lands into trust, we are strengthening the tribe's ability to steward its resources, expand opportunities for economic development and exercise greater self-governance. The Department of the Interior is proud to work alongside the Department of Justice, the Hopi Tribe and our state partners to advance this historic effort and ensure these lands are secured for the benefit of the Hopi people for generations to come."

"Today is a historic day and a day for celebration for the Hopi Tribe - the promises made to the Hopi Tribe by 1996 Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act are being fulfilled," said Chairman Lamar B. Keevama of the Hopi Tribe. "To all those in the State of Arizona, at the Department of Interior, and at the Department of Justice who have had a hand in this effort, kwa'kwha - thank you. Special thanks to Governor Hobbs and State Land Commissioner Sahid for their leadership and dedication to this effort. The Hopi People are in the process of planting their corn. I pray that this land reacquisition is a newly planted seed that will provide abundant benefits for the Hopi Tribe. It is fitting that this historic moment coincides with such an important time."

"For decades, the State of Arizona has failed to complete the promise enshrined in the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996," said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. "I'm proud to do what five governors before me did not. When I became governor, I made a pledge to work with Tribal communities as partners in governance to create opportunity, security and freedom for every community throughout our state. This historic land transfer will help us do just that by following through on a longstanding promise. I will continue working hand-in-hand with tribal partners to ensure their sovereignty is respected and their communities have the economic opportunity they need to thrive."

This condemnation is filed under the authority of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996, which ratified a 1995 resolution to a long-running land dispute in northeastern Arizona between the Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Tribe, and the United States.

Attorneys from ENRD's Land Acquisition Section are handling the matter.