Two pueblos seek to join Navajo Nation suit over Chaco Canyon land ban

The Pueblo of Acoma and the Pueblo of Laguna are seeking to intervene in the Navajo Nation’s lawsuit challenging a Biden administration order that bans new mineral leasing near Chaco Canyon. The pueblos argue the lawsuit threatens their cultural and historical ties to the land. The Navajo Nation opposes the 20-year ban, citing financial hardship for tribal allottees, while the pueblos emphasize the need to protect sacred sites. A federal judge will decide whether they can join the case.