A RESOLUTION

ON THE DEATH OF ROBERTA BLACKGOAT.

On April 23, 2002, Roberta Blackgoat went to join her ancestors and rejoin her Maker. Those who met this strong, brave woman knew she was part of the land she lived on all her life and defended with all her strength.

Roberta Blackgoat was born to the Todichinii (Bitter Water) Clan. She lived on the land she was born on, twenty-five miles from the nearest highway, without running water, electricity or other modern conveniences. But she was like Tsé Ta *a* itself, Thin Rock, near her cherished home in northeastern Arizona - strong, enduring and one with Mother Earth.

The Federal government tried to move her off her ancestral land, and it failed. It was meant to be a land settlement with the Hopi, but it meant she would have to leave Tsé Ta *a*, and she refused. She would not be forced off her land, and she would not weave her days into the pattern others set. She fought for her people, her heritage and her Mother Earth.

Roberta Blackgoat traveled throughout the world telling about the plight of Navajo families who wanted to stay on land they were born on. She also talked about civil, religious and human rights of the indigenous population. In the end, Roberta Blackgoat could be stopped by the passage of time, but not by any government.

She always said that someday we are going to be called back, and when the call comes, we will return back to Mother Earth. Now, she's back with Mother Earth and her Maker.

She walked in beauty through her life. We praise her life.

Roberta Blackgoat will be missed by her family, her friends, the Navajo Nation and the people of the State of Arizona.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives sincerely regret the passing of Roberta Blackgoat and extend their deepest sympathies to her family and many friends.