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Show another BIA employee were working on section corners and were not on Earl Piatt's land. They didn't get out of their pickup. The Piatt employee, named Mr. Lambson from Ramah, got out with his gun and said, "You don't have any business around here. This is all Piatt's land." Henry said he introduced his companion and told the man they were looking for section markers. Lambson said there were no section markers in that area (there were in fact). After talking for a while Mr. Lambson put the gun down. 177 While their land claim litigation continued, the tribe continued to lobby for a satisfactory resolution to their problems with Kolhu/wala:wa. In 1983-84 the Zunis obtained the support of prominent Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House and legislation was drafted that would arrange title to the area for the tribe. The Zunis and their attorney, Stephen G. Boyden, were successful in arranging a complex deal among the various, diverse entities: the two political parties, the Zunis and Navajos, and the non-Indian ranchers in the area. Many amendments were necessary before S. 2201 would become law. A number of Zunis, both political and religious leaders, submitted testimony at the hearing (S. Hrg. 177. Yawakia, Henry Interview by E. Richard Hart, May 8, 1986, Zuni, New Mexico. Lewis to Boyden, November 13, 1981, B.I.A. Zuni Correspondence Files. Yawakia, Henry J. "Branch of Engineering Trip Report Kolthluwala:wa (Zuni Heaven)," December 8, 1981, which describes the same incident and indicates that Mr. Yawakia's companion was Solen Lalio, a Mudhead. Mr. Yawakia reported, "This was the first time that any person make this special trip and it was progressive situation to remember for all the Zuni people." Hart, E. Richard Fieldnotes from July 15-17, 1986, Saint Johns, Arizona and Zuni, New Mexico. Mr. Lalio also recalled the incident and a Zuni Fish and Wildlife officer reported other difficulties with the same man. - 121 - |
