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Navajo Leaders Promise Legal Action For Reduction Of Bears Ears Monument

By Carrie Jung
Published: Monday, December 4, 2017 - 4:17pm

Navajo Nation officials have confirmed they plan to seek legal action against President Donald Trump’s administration over the decision to downsize the Bears Ears National Monument. The land is considered sacred by many tribal members in the region.

The 1.3 million acres of land in Utah was designated a national monument less than a year ago by the Obama administration.

Navajo leaders say they plan to join four other tribes when filing the lawsuit. Multiple environmental groups and private companies are also promising to sue.

In a statement from the Navajo Nation Council, Delegate Davis Filfred said President Trump did not seek input from the Navajo Nation or other surrounding tribes on the decision, adding it “disrespects Native Americans across the country by acting against the Antiquities Act.”