Deal Reached Navajo Nation

Tuesday, December 5th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) â€” Sandia National Laboratories and the Navajo Nation have reached an agreement to promote economic development on the nation's largest Indian reservation.

Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, flanked by Navajo President Kelsey Begaye and Sandia Executive Vice President Joan Woodard, signed a memorandum of understanding Monday.

The goal is to establish an economic base for the tribe that would allow it to achieve self-sufficiency. A financially strong Navajo Nation would also boost the economies of New Mexico and the region, according to the memorandum.

``This agreement is the department's latest step toward building a stronger partnership with the Navajo Nation in which our science and technology can most benefit the Navajo people,'' Richardson said.

The agreement cites several potential areas of collaboration, including promoting quality education and using Sandia's expertise and resources to help generate renewable energy on Indian lands.

Marie Brown, a Navajo-Alaskan Indian who works at the lab, believes the agreement will be beneficial to both parties.

``It's a true collaborative effort,'' Brown said. ``It's a great partnership that can be established in connecting two different worlds.''

â€”â€”â€”

On the Net:

Sandia National Laboratories: http://www.sandia.gov

Navajo Nation: http://www.navajo.org