Letter from Glenna Begay

Wed, 07 Feb 2001

Hello Harald,

We did receive your letter in the mail and Happy New Year to you too, although it is kind of late in the year In regards to your letter, we do not have a Dineh to represent us at the moment. The only reliable person to help me keep in contact with the international support, is my daughter, but you also need to keep in mind of the busy schedules we have. The situation on Black Mesa has not changed for the better, only getting worse. I recently got a visit from the Hopi tribe to inform me that I may be facing eviction in the future. They also told me that my grazing permit that allowed me a reasonable amount of sheep units has been reduced down to 20 sheep units. I questioned them of who made this decision without notifying me first. I was told the Navajo Nation from Window Rock has made this decision. As you know, sheep is the foundation of my livelihood and this decision has made a tremendous impact on me and my family. I still do not wish to relocate, despite of their decision.

One of my daughters had signed the Accommodation Agreement. I was also informed that her agreement is also no longer valid. She questioned why that happened. Apparently, that decision was made due to lack of funds for the people that signed the agreement which only left her with more empty promises.

Regarding the water and the mining issues, there have been no changes. The mining expansion is under way. The mining has reached the Hopi Partitioned Lands and they are now continuing to mine within those boundaries. The mining is expanding towards my residence as we write this letter. My fear is that if the mine expansion continues, it will definitely mean that I have to be evicted regardless of my decision and beliefs that I have. This is a brief summary of the situation on Black Mesa and again we all thank you for your support in this matter.

Glenna (an elderly woman of Black Mesa region), translated by her daughter