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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has received a settlement from the federal government over allegations of mismanagement of tribal resources, the largest of its kind for an American Indian tribe.
Federal officials, led by U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, and tribal representatives held a formal signing ceremony Friday morning in Window Rock to mark the historic $554 million settlement.
Jewell says the landmark agreement will help start a new chapter of relations between the U.S. government and Indian Country.
The tribe agreed to settle the case months ago but had been awaiting approval from federal agencies.
The Navajo Nation originally sought $900 million when the lawsuit was filed in 2006.
Navajo officials say they will hold public meetings starting in October to seek community input on how the money should be spent.
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