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06/12/2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2018

Health, Education, and Human Services
Committee supports mandatory penalties for bootleggers

WINDOW ROCK – Last Wednesday, the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee unanimously approved Legislation No. 0186-18, which seeks to impose a mandatory imprisonment term and fine for the illegal sale of alcohol on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation prohibits the sale or consumption of alcohol, with the limited exception of Class III gaming facilities.

According to the legislation, the sale and consumption of alcohol has contributed to many individuals being arrests for public intoxication, domestic violence, assault and battery, driving under the influence, and sexual assault. In 2016, there were 552 alcohol-related arrests and in 2017, it had increased to 661. Within the same years, the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to over 88,500 calls and instances involving intoxication.

HEHSC member and legislation sponsor Council Delegate Nelson BeGaye (Lukachukai, Rock Point, Round Rock, Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tsé Ch’izhí) said he was approached by some communities asking for stricter penalties for “bootleggers,” or individuals who sell alcohol illegally on the Navajo Nation, who have plagued Navajo communities and contributed to addiction, drug use, and deaths.

“If you are caught bootlegging, you will be fined $5,000 and serve 365 days in jail. It is time that we are strict on this. We are going to hit them hard and if they don’t learn from it, then they will receive the maximum penalty,” said Delegate Nelson BeGaye. “Enough is enough, because our people are dying either through addiction, violence, and drunk driving.”

Delegate Nelson BeGaye said he received reports of bootleggers utilizing non-emergency transportation vehicles to smuggle alcohol onto the Navajo Nation. Law enforcement have expressed their disappointment and discouragement when they arrest a bootlegger and see them being released no more than a day later, he added.

HEHSC member Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty (Beclabito, Cove, Gadi’i’áhi/To’Koi, Red Valley, Tooh Haltsooi, Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Tsé ałnáoz’t’I’í) said that in addition to mandatory jail time and fines, the revocation of the perpetrators property and home site lease should also be taken into consideration.

“I support this legislation, but what we are looking at is that it’s not just putting them in jail. There are other issues such as property and their home site. What is going to happen to the property that they acquire through bootlegging? Let’s look at it from a Navajo Nation-wide perspective, said Delegate Crotty. “As delegates, our families also suffer from our own family members who use bootleggers. These are serious social destructive behaviors that we are seeing.”

Delegate Crotty said that the Title 17 Criminal Code Task Force is also looking at other areas of the law to strengthen penalties against alcohol-related crimes and will be victim-centered to provide justice to victims.

HEHSC member Council Delegate Steven Begay (Coyote Canyon, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Tohatchi, Bahastl’a’a’) said he understood the frustration that many victims and leaders have in regards to alcohol and bootleggers, but cautioned the approach in dealing with the perpetrators property and home site leases.

“Home site leases are a complicated subject and I am having a difficult time with this proposed recommendation to revoke them. A lot of the time it isn’t the bootlegger on the home site lease, so I would be careful with that. I don’t know how we could identify property that was secured by the illegal business because that would be very hard to prove. Sometimes taking away the property could be an immediate effect on the family, their belongings, and children. It could take away a home or property from family members who had nothing to do with the illegal operation,” said Delegate Steven Begay.

HEHSC members voted 4-0 to approve Legislation No. 0186-18. The bill moves forward to the Law and Order Committee and the Navajo Nation Council serves as the final authority on the legislation.

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For news on the latest legislative branch activities, please visit www.navajonationcouncil.orgor find us on Facebook and Twitter, keywords: Navajo Nation Council

Welcome to the 23rd Navajo Nation Council. Thank you for visiting our website. As the Legislative Branch of the Navajo Nation, we want to give you the opportunity to stay in touch with your 24 Council Delegates.

04/13/2018

NAVAJO NATION FILES LAWSUIT TO HOLD OPIOID MANUFACTURERS, PHARMACIES, DISTRIBUTORS ACCOUNTABLE

Purdue Pharma, Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, CVS Health, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart named in lawsuit

Companies profited from diversion of opioids to the Navajo Nation

Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ)—Today, the Navajo Nation, the largest Indian tribe in the United States, filed a lawsuit against the opioid supply chain, starting with top manufacturers Purdue Pharma L.P., Purdue Pharma Inc., Purdue Frederick Company, and Endo Health Solutions Inc., as well as distributors McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corporation, and pharmacies CVS Health Corporation, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc, and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The suit describes how the companies created a market for these highly addictive drugs, and also failed to prevent the flow of illicit opioids in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. From 2014-2016 – as these companies reaped enormous profits – Navajo citizens died from opioid overdoses, Navajo children were placed in non-Native custody, and the Navajo Nation suffered enormous financial losses because of the opioid epidemic.

“For generations, Native Americans have disproportionately suffered during health crises, and the opioid crisis is no different,” said Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye. “We aren’t going to sit back and let our community be torn apart while our children are suffering.”

“The Navajo Nation will not stand by and watch its people, its culture, and its heritage be destroyed by the scourge of the opioid epidemic,” said Navajo Attorney General Ethel Branch. “The Navajo Nation is bringing this action to help lead the way for all Indian nations in America.”

“A generation of children are going to grow up without their parents, and, for far too many of them, also outside of the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan M. Nez. “The loss of their family and their culture will have a profound impact on their lives.”

Jonathan Hale, Chair of the Health, Education and Human Services Committee of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council said, “The Committee supports the filing of this lawsuit to hold the opioids supply chain actors accountable for their reckless disregard for the impacts opioid addiction would have on our families, children, and communities.”

Since bringing prescription opioids to the market, manufacturers have falsely represented the risk of using the drugs to treat chronic pain, in patent violation of their legal responsibilities. Worse yet, pharmacies and opioid distributors have ignored their responsibilities under federal law to investigate and to alert regulators about suspicious orders and illegitimate prescriptions. When suspicious orders are filled, highly dangerous controlled substances are diverted into the hands of unauthorized users and into the illegal black market, fueling the opioid epidemic.

The Navajo Nation is represented by Native American law specialists Sonosky Chambers partners Lloyd Miller and Don Simon, and by special counsel Richard Fields of Fields PLLC, and Scott Gilbert and Richard Shore of Gilbert LLP.

“Distribution of opioids across the country has been grossly excessive and especially in Indian Country. The CDC death rates show a strong correlation over time with the increase in opioid volumes being distributed and dispensed across the country, and this is particularly true for Native American tribes,” Fields said.

The full complaint, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j1JjkHZO_rLec0JyntaOh1aW4KkIKe0i/view?usp=sharing

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Annabelle Henderson

Administrative Legal Secretary
Office of the Attorney General
PO Box 2010
Window Rock AZ 86515
P: (928) 871-6345
F: (928) 871-6177
[email protected]

04/13/2018

Law and Order Committee issues a “do not pass” recommendation
to amend the Criminal Code related to ma*****na and industrial h**p
WINDOW ROCK – On Monday, the Law and Order Committee considered Legislation No. 0011-18, seeking to enact the “Controlled Substance Definition Act of 2018,” by amending sections of Title 17 of the Navajo Nation Code related to controlled substances. The purpose of the bill is to conform Navajo Nation laws to comply with federal regulations in regards to ma*****na and industrial h**p.
Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Lee Jack, Sr. (Dilkon, Greasewood Springs, Indian Wells, Teesto, Whitecone) asked for the committee’s support to strengthen the Criminal Code by reducing the level of tetrahydrocannabinol centration in cannabis – also known as THC, which is the primary intoxicant compound found in ma*****na that determines its strength – allowable on the Navajo Nation.
“Currently, Navajo law allows 1.4-percent of THC in cannabis on the Nation, which was approved by Council in June 2000, however, federal regulations allows less than 0.3-percent of TCH. If approved, the percentage of TCH allowed on the Nation would be reduced to 0.3-percent and it would comply with federal regulations,” said Delegate Jack. He added that if approved, any persons who possess more than 0.3-percent of TCH on the Navajo Nation would be liable to criminal prosecution.
LOC vice chair Council Delegate Raymond Smith, Jr. (Houck, Klagetoh, Nahata Dziil, Tsé Si áni, Wide Ruins) raised concerns over whether the reduction is intended to help use h**p for industrial usage within the Navajo Nation.
The legislation states that the enactment of the bill would not authorize the cultivation, growth possession, development or propagation of industrial h**p until the Navajo Nation creates a regulatory system for industrial h**p and obtains the necessary and applicable permits.
The Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill, defines cannabis as h**p, not ma*****na, as long as no part of the plant including the leaves and flowers exceeds a delta-9 THC of not more than 0.3-percent on a dry weight basis.
In support of the legislation, LOC member Council Delegate Otto Tso (Tó Nanees Dizi), stated that the percentage reduction of THC would comply with federal regulations and it would also provide economic opportunities for the Nation in the future.
“This legislation could provide many economic opportunities for the Nation. Realistically, the Nation will face huge revenue losses due to the circumstances of Navajo Generating Station and Kayenta Mine. Approximately $38 million could be lost and we need to prepare for other economic opportunities such as utilizing h**p,” said Delegate Tso.
In opposition of the legislation, LOC member Council Delegate Herman Daniels, Jr. (Shonto, Naa’tsis’Áán, Oljato, Ts’ah Bii Kin), stated that he cannot support the intent because many Navajo citizens and constituents are not fully informed about the usage of ma*****na and h**p.
“I do not believe that the Navajo Nation is ready for this. Our Navajo people are not informed about this subject. There are many concerns and issues that needs to be addressed before approval or consideration,” said Delegate Daniels.
The Law and Order Committee issued a “do not pass” recommendation for Legislation No. 0011-18 with a vote of 1-2. The Navajo Nation Council serves as the final authority for the bill.
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For news on the latest legislative branch activities, please visit www.navajonationcouncil.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter, keywords: Navajo Nation Council

Welcome to the 23rd Navajo Nation Council. Thank you for visiting our website. As the Legislative Branch of the Navajo Nation, we want to give you the opportunity to stay in touch with your 24 Council Delegates.

04/05/2018

Please share on your PSA until April 20, 2018. Thank you.

2018 Turquoise Nation Little League

Registration Dates
LOCATION: Window Rock Credit Union Parking Lot – Window Rock, Arizona

Saturday, April 7, 2018, 10:00 - 2:00,
Sunday, April 8, 2018, 10:00 - 2:00,
Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 5:30-7:30,
Saturday, April 14, 2018, 10:00-2:00,
Sunday, April 15, 2018, 10:00-2:00

What do I need to bring
The following forms need to be filled out:
1. 2017 DNLL Youth Application
2. Medical Release Form
3. School Enrollment Form (If your child plays Minors, Major or Senior Division)
4. Parent Code of Conduct
5. Player Code of Conduct/Media Release

Please bring
1. Original Birth Certificate
2. Immunization Record
3. Money Order made out to Turquoise Nation Little League
Forms will also be available on registration days.
What do I need to purchase?
1. Glove
2. Cleats
3. Pants (coach/team will communicate color)
4. Socks (coach/team will communicate color)
5. Cup (male players)
6. Face Mask (optional)
7. Helmet (optional)
For more information please contact: 928-309-0215
Ora Nez, DNLL Board President at [email protected]

Divisions: Late Reg. as of 3/31
Tee Ball (4 -7 yrs.) $60.00
Minors (8 - 10 yrs.) (SB/BB) $70.00
Majors (11 - 12 yrs.) (SB/BB) $80.00
Seniors (13 - 16 yrs.) (SB/BB) $90.00

03/15/2018

Capacity Builders, Inc. is awarded $363,308 from the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission to continue community service projects and employ San Juan County youth

Date of Release: March 15, 2018

Entity Responsible for Release: Capacity Builder’s Inc. (a Farmington non profit agency)

Contact: Errin Smith, Public Relations Director
Capacity Builders, Inc.
p: 505.326.4245
f: 505.326.1698
e: [email protected]

Farmington, NM – On Wednesday, January 10, the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission published a press release announcing 32/42 awards funded. These awards totaled $3.4 million dollars, to fund projects that benefit local communities. Since 1992, the NM YCC has provided more than 16,000 jobs to New Mexico’s youth to improve their communities by working on restoring natural resources and improving the well-being of NM community residents. Throughout the program, youth gain valuable work skills that promote education and training.

Capacity Builders, Inc. was awarded a total of $363,308.69 to fund three projects in San Juan County: 1) Nenahnezad Chapter ($147,916.48) at the Veterans Park, 2) San Juan Chapter ($65,666.24) and 3) Tiis Tsoh Sikaad (Burnham) Chapter ($149,725.97). Each project will work on rebuilding the landscape of the chapter areas; removing bothersome trees, building benches, shades and fences, installing solar lights, removing rocks that impede travel, installing garbage cans and showcasing the natural beauty of the area.

Since 2008, Capacity Builders, Inc. has employed over 2,635 youth in San Juan County through the NM YCC grant. These programs have improved Navajo community landscapes and improved trails/footpaths so that residents can use it to travel to school, church, work or the grocery stores. Over the years, these paths were washed away by rain, wind and natural erosion, leaving residents unable to use it.

“These programs promote positive development and help youth to realize their potential. It is our intent that participants gain a sense of purpose and take pride in satisfying this important community need,” says Capacity Builders, Inc. Executive Director, Kenneth Pin.

The NM YCC projects this year will start in April 2018 and continue through October 2018. Capacity Builders, Inc. is now recruiting youth for summer employment (youth up to the age of 25)! To apply, youth members can visit Capacity Builders, Inc. at 418 W. Broadway in Farmington. To learn more about this years’ service projects, please visit https://capacitybuilders.info/youth-services/new-mexico-youth-conservation-corps/.

New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps This project is designed to improve and beautify an existing dirt footpath that Navajo residents utilize daily to travel to school, church, work, and the grocery store in Tohatchi, New Mexico. The path, on land owned by the Navajo Nation, frequently washes away in...