The Kayenta Township has functioned as a governing authority and effective unit of local government with the Navajo Nation for 35 years. It is the only “township” formally established under Navajo Nation law. It is unique and operates as a city-type government with “home rule” authorities.
1962- Navajo Tribal Council passes resolution to authorize land use planning & Chapter
November 8, 1982- Albert Bailey elected to serve on the Navajo Nation Council for Kayenta Chapter
March 13, 1985- Planning begins on plan of operation, some ideas to be tested and five year goals are discussed.
June 10, 1985- Kayenta Chapter resolution designates the KPB as the Official Agency for Land Use Planning & Township Gov’t for Kayenta Chapter.
July 1985- The KTPP Concept paper is drafted by Dr. Gerald Knowles.
September 30, 1985- Kayenta Chapter resolution recommends approval by Navajo Tribal Council for the Kayenta Township Pilot Project (KTPP) and KPB plan of operation
October 16, 1985- Kayenta Chapter adopts resolution to support the Kayenta Township Pilot Project to the Navajo Tribal Council
November 5, 1985- Navajo Tribal Council resolution CN-86-85 approves the withdrawal of 3,606.3 acres of the Navajo Trust Land for establishment of the Kayenta Township site and authorizes the operation and funding of the project. The Navajo Nation Council first approved the “Kayenta Township Pilot Project” pursuant to Resolution CN-86-85 (Nov. 5, 1985) (later codified at 2 N.N.C. §§ 4081-4086), which included authorities for local land use planning and land withdrawals as well as for processing business and home site leases. See 2 N.N.C. §§ 4082,4084 (1995). Resolution CN-86-85 also approved a plan of operation for the Kayenta Township Pilot Project and Kayenta Planning Board.
