September 13, 2016
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Former Navajo Nation official sentenced in Tuba City theft case
A former manager of the Navajo Nation’s Tuba City Chapter has been sentenced to jail time and probation in a theft case.
Navajo Nation requests Congress restore federal scholarship funding
“The Higher Education Grant is a huge benefit for thousands of Navajo students each year and for the future of the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
Federal officials hear Navajo priorities at Tribal Interior Budget Council
Navajo Nation delegates, Vice President Myron Lizer and Speaker Seth Damon, along with tribal leaders from the other 11 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions, recently met for budget discussions with the federal officials.
Navajo Nation issues request to Congress to restore federal funding for scholarships
On March 25, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer voiced concern about the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate funding for the Higher Education Grant within the Bureau of Indian Education’s FY 2020 budget request.
Nation fills vacant seat
Jimmy Yellowhair will have a few weeks to get accustomed to serving as a Navajo Nation lawmaker.
Nation continues investment to protect agriculture, livestock and rangeland
In November 2016, the Navajo Nation Council passed a resolution adopting the plan, which reserved nearly $20 million from the Síhasin Fund to guarantee insurance premiums necessary for the Nation’s participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance Program for 2017 and 2018.
Farm bill passes with provisions to protect Native American resources
The Office of the President and Vice President commended the New Mexico senators for securing provisions in the Farm Bill that will help protect Native American seeds used for cultural, religious, medicinal, ceremonial and agricultural purposes.
Navajo Nation gets federal funding for river recovery
The Navajo Nation has been awarded a $1.1 million contract as part of a multi-agency effort to help recover endangered fish in the San Juan River Basin.
BIA regional director reassigned, Navajo Nation opposes reorganization
The Navajo Nation strongly objects to the Department of the Interior’s planned reorganization of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and strongly opposes the reassignment of the BIA’s Navajo Regional Director Sharon Pinto.
Navajo Nation sues over opioid crisis
The Navajo Nation filed a lawsuit April 11 against top opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies for creating a market of highly addictive drugs and for failing to prevent the flow of illicit opioids in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Navajo Nation approves $100M for power and water lines across the Nation
The Navajo Nation Council voted unanimously in support of legislation approving an expenditure plan to invest over $100 million for Navajo communities and families across the Navajo Nation to receive power lines, water lines and various capital improvement projects.
Navajo Nation judge weighs jurisdiction of Mormon Church
A Navajo Nation judge is weighing if sexual abuse lawsuits against the Mormon Church should proceed and where the cases should be heard.
Former K’ai’bii’to Chapter employee charged with fraud and forgery by Nation
Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch announced April 6 that former K’ai’bii’to’ Chapter Accounts Maintenance Specialist Berniece Pinto-Denetdeal has been criminally charged with 28 counts of forgery and 34 counts of fraud against the Navajo Nation.
Former Tuba City Chapter Executive Priscilla Littlefoot pleads no contest to 18 counts of theft
Attorney General Ethel Branch announced March 26 that former ToˊNaneesˊDizi (Tuba City) Chapter Executive Manager Priscilla Littlefoot pleaded no contest to 18 counts of theft from the Navajo Nation.
Fallen Navajo police officers to be honored by Nation with new memorial
The Navajo Nation is moving forward on a proposed memorial to honor the 14 Navajo police officers who have died in the line of duty since 1949.
Navajo Indian Irrigation Project subcommittee meets with House and Senate members
During a policy roundtable discussion held at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus March 9, Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP) members advocated to the Western Caucus Foundation for funding for the project.
Begaye allocates $6.3 million for Navajo Head Start operations
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said he will approve emergency legislation allocating $6.3 million to ensure Navajo Head Start operations continue.
FirstNet and AT&T to provide public safety broadband on Nation
Law and Order Committee votes 2-0 in support of development for nationwide network; Naabik’íyáti’ Committee to serve as final authority for bill
On Feb. 21, the Law and Order Committee considered legislation which requests FirstNet and AT&T to develop the nationwide public safety broadband network for police officers, firefighters and emergency medical responders on the Navajo Nation.
Indian Health Service director sought
In response to the White House’s announcement that Robert Weaver has withdrawn his name for consideration as director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Navajo Nation president called on the Trump administration to fill the position.
“No Haven for Dangerous Fugitives Act” would violate Navajo soverignty and treaty
On Feb. 22, the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee approved legislation opposing a Congressional bill that would violate tribal sovereignty by permitting federal authorities to enter tribal reservation lands to arrest persons fleeing arrest, custody, testimony or service.
Lt. Col. Tracey Clyde appointed as director for Navajo Veterans Administration
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye appointed Lt. Col. Tracey Clyde as the new director of the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration (NNVA).
Candidate filing for Navajo elections to open May 17
The Navajo Election Administration (NEA) informed the public Feb. 7 that the candidate-filing period opens May 17, 2018 and closes on May 30, 2018 for the upcoming primary and general elections on the Navajo Nation.
Human Rights Commission testifies in sentencing hearing for murders of two homeless Navajo men
Representatives from the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission were in attendance Thursday, as Bernalillo County District Court Judge Briana H. Zamora sentenced Gilbert Tafoya to serve the maximum of 20 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections for the brutal beating deaths of two homeless Navajo men in 2014.
Begaye calls on Congress to prioritize Indian health and allocate funding
In the face of drastic budget cuts to the Special Diabetes Programs for Indians, Navajo President Russell Begaye called on Congress and federal agencies to prioritize Indian health and allocate funding for essential programs Jan. 17.
Navajo Route 6 could honor Korean Vets
On Jan. 4 the Resources and Development Committee considered legislation which seeks support to designate Navajo Route 6 as the “Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway” and requests the Navajo Division of Transportation and Bureau of Indian Affairs to recognize the designation.
Navajo Nation approves $2.45 million for eastern Navajo district grazing committees
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye signed a resolution Jan. 7 awarding $2.45 million from the Navajo Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance in stipends for officials serving on district grazing committees and farm boards, as well as the Eastern Navajo Land Board.
Navajo veterans encouraged to submit claims to recover income taxes
The Navajo Nation Council is encouraging Navajo veterans to submit claims to recover income taxes that were unlawfully withheld on military wages for certain periods of time.
Navajo Nation files lawsuit against Wells Fargo Bank
Navajo Nation filed suit against Wells Fargo Bank Dec. 12, alleging that Wells Fargo engaged in a campaign of predatory and unlawful practices that targeted and harmed the Navajo people.
Nicco Montaño becomes first Navajo UFC Champion fighter
On Dec. 1, Navajo tribal member Nicco Montaño defeated Roxanne Modafferi, becoming the first Navajo UFC Flyweight Champion.
24 homes destroyed in the Assayi Lake wildfire could be rebuilt
Last week, $764,000 in funding was considered by the Resources and Development Committee to aid in the replacement of homes destroyed in the Assayi Lake wildfire.
Navajo divison holds summit to develop solutions to protect Diné Bikéyah
On Nov. 15-17, the Division of Natural Resources Summit was held at Twin Arrows for Navajo citizens to learn about the division’s projects and areas of direct services and to promote collaboration between tribal, state and federal partners.
Second Friday in May declared “Navajo Police Officer Day”
The Navajo Nation Council unanimously voted to approve the second Friday in May as “Navajo Police Office Day” on the Navajo Nation.
Number of missing people on Navajo Nation increasing at alarming rate
Volunteers with Navajo Nation Missing Persons Update ask Law and Order Committee what they plan to do
On Oct. 9, the Law and Order Committee (LOC) received a report from Meskee Yatsayte and family members of missing persons regarding missing persons on the Navajo Nation.
Utility disconnections continue to impact chapters across Navajo Nation
On Sept.11, the Resources and Development Committee (RDC) received a report from divisions across the Nation regarding utility disconnections that continue to impact Navajo chapters.
Navajo Tech University set to break ground in Chinle, campus opening by fall 2018
On Aug. 2, Navajo Technical University (NTU) began the preliminary steps in constructing a campus in Chinle, Arizona with a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the site’s first educational building.
Superintendent of Navajo Head Start removed following federal investigation
Sharon Singer removed, July 28, for egregious misuse of Navajo Nation funds
The Department of Diné Education (DODE) removed Sharon Singer, superintendent of Navajo Head Start, from her position July 28.
San Juan County remedial districts rejected as unconstitutional
On July 14, the United States District Court for the District of Utah once again ruled in favor of the Navajo Nation and confirmed that the electoral districts of San Juan County are illegally drawn based on race and violate the United States Constitution.
Improved benefits for family of fallen police officers recevies support of Nation
The Nation’s Law and Order Committee (LOC) advocated for improved benefits for surviving spouses and children of fallen Navajo Nation police officers after receiving reports July 14 from involved parties.
Head Start director under investigation
The Office of the President and Vice President will conduct an investigation into allegations of misuse of funds by Head Start Director Sharon Singer. She was placed on leave June 29.
Dilkon to get justice center
On June 26, the Law and Order Committee passed legislation which approved an allocation of $500,000 to help with all costs associated with designing and building a Dilkon Justice Center.
Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals rules in favor of Navajo Nation
On May 26, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Navajo nation to deny utility company’s condemnation of tribal land in Public Service Company of New Mexico vs. Barboan.
Association for Disabled Citizens receives $239, 200 grant
On Apr. 30, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye approved $239,200 as a one-time grant allocation to the non-profit organization Diné Bii Association for Disabled Citizens.
American Health Care Act passes House, Begaye says services could diminish
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye says passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which passed the House of Representatives May 4, could result in diminished health care services to tribal communities.
Bureau of Indian Affairs owes $15.6 mil plus interest to Navajo Nation
On April 4, the Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)owes the Navajo Nation approximately $15.6 million plus interest in money it withheld from the Nation’s judicial branch operations in 2014.
Begaye approves $20 million for economic development on Nation
On March 27, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye approved legislation appropriating $20 million dollars to the Sihasin Fund Navajo Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Economic Development Expenditure Plan to further economic development.
Navajo Nation meets with Peabody Coal Mine workers to discuss NGS
On March 28, members of the Navajo Nation Council met with employees from Peabody Coal Mine to provide information to miners regarding the status of Navajo Generating Station and implications for the mine and its employees.
Proposed Dził Yijiin Justice Facility receives Budget and Finance Committee support
On March 28, the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) received a report from Pinon Chapter regarding the proposed Dził Yijiin Justice Facility, which would be located near the community, 44-miles west of Chinle, Arizona.
Quality of care and services by IHS examined
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye urged the secretary of health and human services to examine the quality of care and services provided by the Indian Health Service (IHS) at a meeting between the secretary’s tribal advisory committee March 8.
Council delivers leadership insight at Nation’s Agriculture Elected Officials Summit
At the beginning of March, Navajo Nation Council members were invited to provide opening remarks during the 2017 Navajo Nation Agriculture Elected Officials Summit, which started on Feb. 27 and concluded on March 1.
Begaye says Nation needs to move away from coal and oil as revenue sources
In addressing tribal economic diversification, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said the Nation needs to move away from coal and oil based revenue generation while addressing infrastructure needs, workforce development and expediting processes for business development.
Begaye wants tribes treated as nations
In listening to the State of Indian Nations address given by National Congress of American Indian President Brian Cladoosby, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said it’s time tribal nations stop being treated as programs by the federal government.
President Begaye vetoes emergency response money
On Feb. 5, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye used the line-item veto authority to deny approximately $242,000 in supplemental funding intended to help the Navajo people by providing emergency response services because of recent winter storms.
Council seeks input for Navajo Nation name change
Navajo Council questions how nation should identify itself, asking tribe for input on changing name to Diné Nation
On Jan. 27, the Navajo Nation Council tabled a motion to change the name of the Navajo Nation to Diné Nation until the spring council session in April and after seeking input from the Navajo people.
Begaye and Nez oppose decision to move forward with Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines
On Jan. 24, President Donald J. Trump signed memorandums to advance approval of both the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines.
U.S. and Navajo Nation agree to cleanup 94 abandoned uranium mines
The United States and the Navajo Nation have entered into a settlement agreement, with two affiliated subsidiaries of Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., for the cleanup of 94 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation.
Mismanagment and deficiencies found in audit of Navajo Veteran Affairs housing program
An internal audit of the FY 2014 and 2015 Department of Navajo Veterans Affairs Veterans Housing Program has uncovered past deficiencies and mismanagement of funds in building homes according to the Navajo Nation Office of the Auditor General.
Bobby White appointed acting controller of Nation
On Jan. 6, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye announced Bobby White will be appointed acting controller of the Navajo Nation. The decision came after the Navajo Nation Council removed Jim R. Parris as controller Jan. 4.
Budget and Finance Committee asks Wells Fargo to address Nation's banking concerns
The Navajo Nation Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) received a report Jan. 3 from Wells Fargo representatives about issues with recent alleged improper sales practices, the bank’s relationship with the Navajo Nation and concerns regarding fees assessed on chapter payroll and payment checks.
Begaye and Nez look forward to working with Trump administration
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez congratulated President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Michael Pence for securing their victory in the 2016 presidential election.
