"The latest case involving Indian Country was argued Monday before the Supreme Court.

Arizona v. Navajo Nation, like many cases heard before the high court, is complicated and this case in particular deals with the tribe’s water rights as it relates to the Colorado River.

The two issues at hand are whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit erred in its judgment allowing the Navajo Nation “to proceed with a claim to enjoin the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior to develop a plan to meet the Navajo Nation’s water needs and manage the mainstream of the Colorado River in the Lower Basin” and can the tribe “state a cognizable claim for breach of trust consistent with this Court's holding in Jicarilla based solely on unquantified implied rights to water under the Winters Doctrine” according to a document on the Supreme Court’s website."

Kolby KickingWoman reports for ICT March 20, 2023. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Biden May Prevail Against Navajo In SCOTUS Water Battle" (E&E News) [3]

"The Supreme Court Wrestles With Questions Over The Navajo Nation's Water Rights" (NPR) [4]