In The News
Andrew L. Sandler Quoted in Associated Press Article "Navajo to Get $554 Million in Settlement with US"
Andrew L. Sandler was quoted in Felicia Fonseca's Associated Press article "Navajo to get $554 Million in Settlement with US" on September 25, 2014.
Andrew Sandler, one of the Navajo Nation's attorneys on the case, said the tribe has taken on much of the responsibility for leasing on its land. If further disputes arise with the federal government, the settlement outlines a process to resolve them.
"This was viewed as an appropriate and respectful settlement where the federal government acknowledged its responsibility and acted in an honorable way," Sandler said. "It was a good result for all parties, and appropriate result for all parties, and it creates finality.”
Tribes across the country have filed more than 100 breach-of-trust cases against the U.S. government. The Navajo Nation settlement is the largest, exceeding the next highest amount by $170 million, Sandler said.
The Interior Department said it is working to resolve cases with other tribes without going to trial. Since April 2012, the federal government has resolved about 80 cases, totaling $2.5 billion.
Sandler said the Navajo Nation should receive its money within 60 days.