Shelly delivers State of the Navajo Nation Address

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - President Ben Shelly delivered the State of the Navajo Nation Address from the chambers of the 22nd Navajo Nation Council's Summer Session on July 18. Shelly covered many topics he felt were important to the Navajo people.

In his speech Shelly recognized Police Sgt. Darrell C. Curley.

"The Nation also remembers Police Sgt. Darrell C. Curley who made the ultimate sacrifice while making our communities safer. Through his love for his community, he upheld his oath to protect our people. We honor his bravery and the sacrifice of his loved ones who saw him depart. The commitment of our everyday heroes reaffirms our role as leaders," said Shelly.

Shelly emphasized the fact the he and the Vice President have been going out into the community listening to people for the last seven months.

"We have been listening to their concerns and their ideas, I am here to report that the people are hopeful for the future of the Navajo Nation. Our people speak of a return to a simple life when we worked together to solve common issues," he said.

The President then continued on about the debt that the Navajo nation finds themselves in.

"This year, we have a $170 million dollar revenue projection and though it may look like we have more money to spend, the reality is that the Navajo Nation Government has a $22 million dollar deficit. This debt affects our economic potential. When we speak of job creation and developing businesses, we also have to set the example by paying off our $22 million dollar debt," he said.

Shelly reminded listeners of the Executive Branch he created and how it is meant to help the people.

"Vice President Jim and I are committed to restructuring the executive branch and as I promised in my first address, I created the Executive Branch Reorganization Taskforce to address cost containment among our divisions," Shelly said. "We will end the old ways of how we used to function. It starts with identifying problem areas, merging departments and programs, removing duplication of services, and downsizing."

Next, Shelly addressed the issues of funding for schools such as Head Start.

"On Friday, Vice President Jim and I directed a task team and the Department of Diné Education to begin the administrative process of preparing and negotiating for an increase to proposed funding cuts by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start. As proposed, we are faced with a reduction in our base Head Start grant by 48 percent," he said.

Shelly wanted to welcome ideas from his people to better their community.

"After hearing from our elders, youth, and parents, I have decided to begin the 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair with a Youth Summit to hear their ideas, concerns, and solutions. We are also planning a Facebook Youth Town Hall utilizing technology and the Internet to connect with young Navajo people across the country," Shelly said.

The President then talked about the importance of veteran affairs.

"Over the next few months, we will move toward establishment of the Division of Veterans Affairs, which will serve as a one-stop shop for veterans services, including substance abuse counseling, housing assistance, and culturally appropriate case management. Next to this commitment, I call upon the members of the Council to support the creation of a Title 27 to the Navajo Nation Code and a proposed Navajo Veteran's Act," said Shelly.

Jobs became and important discussion piece by finding ways to create more of them.

"We are making good on our commitment to creating jobs. As we have said before we want the business environment to grow through Navajo-owned and operated businesses, industry, and manufacturing," he said. "In May, we attended a signing ceremony in Fort Defiance, where a Navajo-owned business and their partner signed an agreement to manufacture solar panels. Proudly, all panels will bear the Navajo company name and read, "Made in The Navajo Nation, USA." Before the end of this year 450 new Navajo jobs will be added to our workforce."

Shelly ended his speech with a hopeful vision of the future.

"Our course is to set for a new direction. The sun arises again for another day. Our journey is by horseback and we will travel far. Joined by a common purpose, we gather in this chamber to make decisions future generations will judge us by. Our vision is solid and our expectations are bold," he said.

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