Historic Navajo-U.S. Settlement as It Happened: 10 Unforgettable Images

It is the largest settlement in the history of U.S.–Tribal relations, and Indian Country Today Media Network was there every step of the way. The signing on September 25 of a $554 million settlement to make amends for more than half a century of trust-fund mismanagement of Navajo tribal resources by the U.S. government was not only historic but also moving. Under a sharp blue sky, framed by iconic Window Rock, Navajo officials and dignitaries met with their counterparts from the U.S. government, including Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, to sign the agreement and witness a healing moment. It started with a morning blessing and progressed from there under unimpeded sun.Overall, settlements with tribes during President Barack Obama’s two terms will amount to more than $8 billion, according to Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn. Photographers Julia Mitchell and Jared King captured the day with their cameras. Here we bring you images showing how the day unfolded, as it happened...more