Indian Self-Determination and Self-Governance Era 1968-present
1971
Hopi religious leaders sue to stop strip mining
More than 62 Hopi spiritual leaders sue to stop strip mining on the Hopi reservation, claiming that the leased land was illegal and signed by a tribal council illegally (they did not have a quorum) and that their decision making was shrouded in secrecy. The tribal attorney at that time is John Boyden, who represents the Peabody Coal Company.