“Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development,” according to Article 3 of the U.N. Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People.

“Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as says and means for financing their autonomous functions,” according to Article 4 of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.”

“The most protected and sacred right of all peoples is the right to govern their affairs, make decisions without being coerced by other governments. This is an inherent right of peoples and for the Navajo people it has existed since time immemorial. However, in Navajo law it states that the Navajo Nation must still obtain it, the “ultimate goal of the Navajo Nation is self-determination.”10 N.N.C. § 124 (A)(2002). The Commission recommends that the Navajo government, instead, recognize that Navajo people’s right to self-determination has been absolute since time immemorial and is not an aspiration as stated in Title 10 of the Navajo Nation Code. Moreover, Navajo written law must recognize the Navajo people’s right to self-determination comes from the Holy People.”

Source: NNHRC Human Rights Issues for the Navajo Nation