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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell is scheduled to visit the capital of the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona, Friday to announce a $544 million settlement over allegations of mismanagement of tribal resources.
She released a statement Thursday saying the agreement strengthens ties between the Navajo and U.S. governments and helps empower the tribe's communities.
Navajo officials hailed the settlement as a positive end to a long ordeal. President Ben Shelly, in a statement, called it "a victory for tribal sovereignty."
The tribe contended that the U.S. government mismanaged revenue from grazing, oil and gas leases and other activities on the sprawling reservation.
Navajo Nation Council Delegate Lorenzo Curley said public meetings will be held starting in October to seek community input on how the money should be spent.
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