He says the tribe is now working on a computer automation system to link benefits in the three states. Yaza says the takeover of welfare is a necessity for the tribe to gain its political identity. To us, we feel that the federal government owes us that much. The state has been running the program, continues to run it. It could continue to run it.
Sovereignty comes to mind.
Navajo are saying that we have the talent, we have the resources, ability, to conduct its own affairs. And that's where I think, in essence, we've been pushing this. Some important legal barriers like in the way. Quite likely, the federal courts will have the final say. But Elsie Begai Eyoke does not go along with the idea that Navajo tribal control of welfare would automatically make it better.