25th Navajo Nation Council

06/01/2026

Navajo Nation Council reflects on sacrifice and service on Navajo Nation Memorial Day

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - On Navajo Nation Memorial Day, Speaker Crystalyne Curley joined President Buu Nygren and representatives from the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, chapter and agency veterans organizations, and Gold Star Mothers to honor fallen Diné veterans during a ceremony at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park.

Speaker Curley emphasized that Navajo Nation Memorial Day is not a day of celebration, but a solemn occasion to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the Navajo people, their homeland, their freedoms, and their rights. She noted that Diné men and women have served in every major conflict involving the United States and continue to serve at one of the highest per-capita rates among all branches of the military.

“Today is a day of remembrance and gratitude for our fallen veterans,” Speaker Curley said. “We should also recognize that our veterans continue to serve our communities every day as leaders, mentors, and protectors of our families. As we gather with veterans from across the Navajo Nation, we also remember their comrades who never returned home and the families who continue to carry their memory.”

The event included a wreath-laying ceremony, an honorary flag-folding ceremony, and remarks by Speaker Curley, President Nygren, and Navajo Nation Veterans Administration Executive Director Bobbie Baldwin. The Central Agency Color Guard Detail presented the colors, and Miss Navajo Nation 2025–2026 Camille Uentille performed the National Anthem.

“On this day, we keep those veterans who did not return home in our hearts and prayers,” Speaker Curley said. “Navajo Nation Memorial Day is a sacred day of reflection and remembrance. We honor the sacrifices of our fallen warriors, offer prayers of comfort to their families, and recommit ourselves to preserving their legacy for future generations.”

The 25th Navajo Nation Council extends its appreciation to all veterans and families, as well as chapter governments and community organizations that held observances recognizing Navajo Nation Memorial Day and honoring the legacy of fallen veterans through ceremonies, prayers, and acts of remembrance.

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06/01/2026

Speaker Curley attends the Nazlini Chapter Veterans Memorial Day ceremony honoring the Navajo Nation Memorial Day

NAZLINI, Ariz. — On Sunday, Speaker Crystalyne Curley attended the Nazlini Chapter House Veterans Memorial Day ceremony, an event that brought together veterans, Gold Star families, community members, and local leadership to honor Navajo service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect their families and community.

Established by the Navajo Nation Council, Navajo Nation Memorial Day is a day that celebrates the honor of veterans and their families. The Nazlini Chapter Veterans Memorial Day ceremony included an opening prayer, a moment of silence, presentations of veteran services, and a sacred flag-folding ceremony for the families of fallen warriors.

Speaker Crystalyne Curley delivered an address emphasizing the gravity of the occasion, urging attendees to honor fallen service members not just on designated holidays, but through every action taken each day. She called on veteran organizations across the Navajo Nation to unify around one mission: the welfare of veterans, their families, and their communities.

“This is a remembrance. It is a legacy to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Speaker Curley. “I want to appreciate all of the Gold Star families that came here today, remember those that are grieving throughout this whole week.”

The ceremony included a folding and presentation of flags on behalf of fallen veterans’ families. Chinle Chapter Veterans Commander Pete Tsinijinnie described the flag as a living symbol, carefully stretched, cleansed, and allowed to breathe before being folded and presented to honor the memory of those who served beneath it.

For many Gold Star families, the presentation of their loved one’s flag stands as a profound act of recognition and communal support.

Dr. Carl Fortner, Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Department of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and a U.S. Navy veteran, provided a comprehensive overview of expanded services now reaching the Navajo Nation.

With more than 30,000 veterans residing in the Navajo Nation, surpassing the DAV’s statewide Arizona membership of 24,000, Fortner stressed the urgency of accessible support.

Fortner announced that Pinon has become the first-ever DAV Remote Claim Service Station established on Native American land in the country, with additional stations planned for Kayenta in June, Ganado in August, and a location near Second Mesa in the Hopi reservation. All stations are funded entirely by the DAV at no cost to the Navajo Nation, including two years of Starlink internet service.

The Nazlini Chapter, recently designated a Purple Heart Community, continues to serve as a model of veteran advocacy across the Navajo Nation.

Veterans or family members seeking assistance with claims, caregiver support, disaster relief, or mental health resources are encouraged to contact DAV representative Seraphine Josie or visit the Pinon Remote Claim Station.

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06/01/2026

25th Navajo Nation Council honors Navajo Nation Memorial Day

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council honors Navajo Nation Memorial Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices of Navajo ancestors, veterans, and fallen warriors whose courage, resilience, and service continue to shape the Nation today.

Formerly known as Treaty Day, Navajo Nation Memorial Day commemorates the 158th anniversary of the Treaty of 1868, signed on June 1, 1868, by Navajo leaders and the United States government, ending the Diné people's exile and incarceration at Fort Sumner following the Long Walk.

The Treaty secured our people's return to their ancestral homeland and established the foundation for the Navajo Nation’s enduring sovereignty and self-governance. The day also serves as a solemn remembrance of Navajo service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their people, their homeland, and the United States.

On Navajo Nation Memorial Day, the 25th Navajo Nation Council calls upon the Nation to reflect on the hardships endured by Diné ancestors while also celebrating the perseverance, resilience, and strength that enabled the Navajo people to return home, rebuild, and thrive across generations. The observance recognizes the sacrifices that ensured the survival of the Navajo people and honors the generations who have strengthened the Nation through service, leadership, and perseverance.

“Today, we honor the strength, prayers, and sacrifices of our ancestors who endured unimaginable hardship to ensure the survival of our people,” said Speaker Curley. “The Treaty of 1868 affirms our sovereignty and our enduring connection to our homeland. We also remember the many Navajo warriors who gave their lives in service and the families who continue to carry their memory with pride, dignity, and love. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The 25th Navajo Nation Council recognizes Navajo Nation Memorial Day as an opportunity to educate younger generations about the significance of the Treaty of 1868 and the history of Navajo military service. The Council also recognizes that the prayers, resilience, and sacrifices of Diné ancestors continue to guide the Nation’s pursuit of self-determination and prosperity.

The 25th Navajo Nation Council further recognizes the families of fallen service members whose sacrifices and strength endure long after military service ends. Their commitment to preserving the memory and legacy of loved ones remains an important part of Navajo Nation Memorial Day observances and the Nation’s collective remembrance.

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05/31/2026

Speaker Curley joins leaders at School Safety and Harmony Summit to address student well-being in tribal communities

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On Friday, Speaker Crystalyne Curley joined state and tribal leaders, educators, health professionals, and community members at the School Safety and Harmony Summit, a gathering focused on advancing school safety, student behavioral health, and culturally grounded approaches to community wellness in Tohajilee, Alamo, and surrounding communities.

“School safety is not solely a law enforcement issue; it also involves mental health, behavioral health, parenting, and community partnerships,” said Speaker Curley. “As leaders, we must take the initiative to walk our school grounds, know our campuses, build local partnerships, and advocate at every level for the resources our students and families deserve. Safety starts with us.”

Speaker Curley delivered a call to action for administrators, school board members, and community leaders, urging them to build on existing resources rather than wait for outside consultants or additional funding. She encouraged attendees to assess campus access points, visitor management procedures, and security staffing while strengthening local safety networks through retired law enforcement officers, veterans, community leaders, and chapter officials.

She emphasized that many school safety challenges stem from depression, substance abuse, neglect, and social isolation, making prevention and support services just as important as physical security measures. Speaker Curley also reflected on a two-year legislative effort that secured a federal budget line item to fund school resource officers at Bureau of Indian Education schools.

Dr. Carolyn Morris of the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, Inc. (CBNHC) highlighted the health center’s behavioral, medical, and dental services, all available locally. She also discussed the integration of a part-time mental health provider at the school as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen crisis response policies and procedures.

New Mexico State Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta addressed the jurisdictional challenges that complicate law enforcement responses in tribal communities, including overlapping tribal, state, and federal authority, as well as insurance and liability barriers that can delay cross-jurisdictional agreements.

Rep. Abeyta outlined legislative priorities that include investments in school safety infrastructure, expanded behavioral health services, improved interagency communication, and enhanced joint training protocols.

RJ Erb, a school preparedness specialist with the Arizona Department of Education, stressed the importance of comprehensive emergency operations plans and urged schools to build strong partnerships with law enforcement, fire and emergency management agencies, public health departments, and nonprofit organizations to address extended response times in rural and tribal communities.

Valara James, a project coordinator with the Native American 988 outreach program under the New Mexico Health Care Authority, concluded the summit's presentations by emphasizing that the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone, text, or online chat. She noted that the service is staffed by trained crisis counselors and provides support for a wide range of mental health concerns, not only suicide-related crises.

The School Safety and Harmony Summit was organized through a partnership among the New Mexico State Legislature, the Department of Diné Education, Pueblo of Laguna, the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils, and other community partners.

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05/29/2026

Missing and Murdered Diné Relative Task Force receives reports on Human Trafficking Awareness and advanced DNA forensics

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Thursday, the Missing and Murdered Diné Relative (MMDR) Task Force received two reports from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign on human trafficking awareness and Othram, a specialized DNA forensics company.

“The mission of this task force is to bring awareness, prevention, and resources to our families and communities affected by human trafficking and to continue advocating for justice,” said MMDR Chair Amber Kanazbah Crotty. “Every report we receive, every expert we hear, and every action we take brings us one step closer to the answers our families deserve.”

Chair Crotty leads the task force alongside fellow Navajo Nation Council Delegates Eugenia Charles-Newton and Helena Nez Begay.

DHS staff Erica Reed and LaTonia Whitsett delivered the presentation. Reed explained that the Blue Campaign operates within the DHS Center for Counter Human Trafficking (CCHT), established in 2020 and codified into law in 2022. The campaign’s core public education mission is straightforward: teach communities how to recognize and report possible human trafficking.

Rather than arriving with predetermined solutions, the Blue Campaign members attend conferences and workshops to understand the unique factors placing Indigenous people at risk, invite tribal leaders and law enforcement to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) training sessions, and customize services based on what individual tribal communities request. The DHS team recognized that there is no direct Navajo word for “human trafficking” and now uses the phrase “stolen people” in its place.

The presenters emphasized that missing and murdered Indigenous people and human trafficking, while related, are distinct issues requiring different language and different responses. The Not Invisible Act of 2019 was the first federal legislation to address all three categories, missing, murdered, and trafficked Indigenous people, under a single framework. The Blue Campaign has since developed a tribal gaming and hospitality industry toolkit, recognizing that casinos and hotels can be sites of exploitation.

The Othram presentation was delivered by Michael Vogen at the request of the Law and Order Committee (LOC). LOC Chair Eugenia Charles-Newton supported bringing the report to the MMDR Task Force after hearing of Othram’s capabilities.

“When the Law and Order Committee heard this report, I knew it was critical for the MMDR Task Force and families to hear about Othram and to understand the type of technology they have to test DNA and help bring closure to cases that continue to go unsolved,” said Delegate Charles-Newton.

Othram, operational since 2019, operates a purpose-built, advanced DNA laboratory specializing in DNA testing that goes far beyond the traditional testing used in the national CODIS database. While standard testing can match close relatives, Othram’s technology can detect family connections up to seventh cousins, enabling investigators to build family trees from forensic evidence and identify unknown suspects or unidentified remains. The process is known as forensic genetic genealogy.

Vogen highlighted more than 650 cases have been solved using the technology, including decades-old John Doe identifications and recent crime scene suspect identifications. The lab can work with minimal and degraded DNA samples, touch DNA, hair without roots, and bone fragments, dramatically expanding the range of cases that can be revisited. For Navajo families who have waited years, sometimes decades, for answers, the technology represents a tangible reason for hope.

Othram offers free case reviews to assess DNA suitability and works flexibly on funding arrangements so that financial barriers do not stall investigations. The company emphasized that its goal is identity results, not selling products, and that if DNA evidence exists, the technology can very likely help solve the case.

The MMDR Task Force voted unanimously to accept both reports, with 14 votes in favor and none opposed.

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05/29/2026

Naabik'íyáti’ Committee receives legal update on Attorney General confirmation dispute and ongoing litigation

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — On Thursday, the Naabik'íyáti’ Committee received a legal briefing from Chief Legislative Counsel G. Michelle Espino regarding the status of the Office of the Attorney General and ongoing litigation involving the Executive and Legislative Branches.

Pursuant to 2 NNC §1962, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General are appointed by the Navajo Nation Council upon recommendation by the President and serve at the pleasure of the Council.

During the report, Speaker Crystalyne Curley addressed the Council’s prior action on the confirmation of Acting Attorney General Kris Beecher.

“Beecher’s nomination was denied by a vote of zero in favor and 19 opposed. Not a single delegate voted to confirm him,” Speaker Curley said. “Following the denial of confirmation, I immediately issued a memorandum directing him to vacate the Attorney General’s office.”

Espino stated that despite repeated communications from Council leadership, Beecher has continued to represent himself as Acting Attorney General.

Espino also informed the Council that ethics complaints and bar complaints have been filed against Beecher with the Ethics and Rules Office and the Navajo Nation Bar Association at the request of Council leadership.

“If the Navajo Nation Bar Association determines that violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct occurred, additional complaints may be filed with the state bars where Mr. Beecher is licensed,” Espino said.

Espino reported that while draft confirmation legislation for Acting Deputy Attorney General JoAnn Jayne had been prepared, no delegate has agreed to sponsor the legislation for consideration by the Navajo Nation Council.

Espino recommended continued legislative and legal action to avoid any implication that the Council recognizes Beecher or Acting Deputy Attorney General JoAnn Jayne as lawful officeholders.

Among the options discussed were seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) through the Window Rock District Court to prohibit Beecher from representing himself as Attorney General, directing Navajo Nation entities to disregard legal directives issued by him.

Espino also provided an update on the ongoing litigation in Curley v. Nygren, which was filed by Speaker Curley to challenge actions taken by President Buu Nygren involving the attempted removal of Navajo Nation Controller Sean McCabe and the proposed defunding of the Legislative Branch through the line-item veto process.

Espino stated that the Window Rock District Court granted Temporary Restraining Orders requested by both parties and that the case remains ongoing.

“I want to remind our people that we need a strong Attorney General who will stand up against uranium development, advocate for our water rights, and provide strong legal positions in support of our committees,” Speaker Curley said. “These are the priorities that should guide this office. The Attorney General should not be aligned with only one branch or one office. We are now at the point where these issues must be addressed.”

Espino stated that legal counsel representing the Legislative Branch continue to pursue motions and legal remedies seeking clarification and rulings on the separation of powers and statutory issues raised in the litigation.

The Naabik'íyáti’ Committee voted 16 in favor and none opposed in accepting the report from Chief Legislative Counsel Espino regarding the status of the Office of the Attorney General.

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05/28/2026

Council receives updates on uranium transport safety concerns

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — On Wednesday, members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council received updates from the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, Navajo Nation Police Department, Energy Fuels representatives, and transportation officials regarding the May 6 uranium ore transport vehicle incident near Shonto, Ariz.

Discussions focused on emergency response efforts, highway safety concerns, public communication, and the ongoing investigation related to the traffic collision involving a uranium ore transport truck.

Council Delegates raised concerns regarding highway safety, hazardous materials training, emergency preparedness, response times, and long-term transportation oversight to protect Navajo communities located along uranium transport routes.

Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson questioned whether adequate hazardous materials response training and protective equipment are currently available for Navajo Nation law enforcement officers and emergency responders responding to incidents involving radioactive materials.

Council Delegate Curtis Yanito emphasized that Energy Fuels has an opportunity to invest in the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Transportation to strengthen oversight emergency preparedness and roadway safety related to uranium transport activities on the Navajo Nation.

“Our communities continue to carry the historical trauma and health impacts associated with uranium development,” said Council Delegate Curtis Yanito. “It’s Energy Fuels’ responsibility to oversee and address concerns to public safety, communication, and preparedness whenever hazardous materials are transported through Navajo communities.”

Council Delegate Otto Tso also emphasized concerns regarding speeding along transport routes and called for stronger monitoring and enforcement measures to improve highway safety.

“We want transport operations conducted as safely as possible,” said Delegate Otto Tso. “Additional oversight, enforcement, and coordination with transportation agencies are necessary to protect the traveling public and nearby communities.”

Navajo EPA Executive Director Stephen Etsitty reported that EPA personnel responded shortly after the collision and confirmed there was no release of radioactive material from the transport vehicle. Navajo Nation Police officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing.

Officials also noted that more than 3,000 inspections of uranium transport vehicles have been conducted since current transport operations began and that emergency preparedness resources continue to be shared with chapter communities along transportation routes.

The 25th Navajo Nation Council continues to monitor transportation safety discussions and awaits completion of the official investigative report related to the May 6 incident.

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05/28/2026

LIVESTREAM: Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Regular Meeting

📄 Naabik’íyáti’ Committee
📅 Date: May 28, 2026 @ 10 AM
📍 Location: Navajo Nation Council Chambers (Window Rock, AZ)

Click on the YouTube link below to join

Naabik'iyati' Committee Regular MeetingDate: May 28, 2026, 10:00AM...

05/28/2026

Naabik'íyáti’ Committee Regular Meeting, May 28, 2026

05/28/2026

LIVESTREAM: Missing and Murdered Dine’ Relatives Task Force Meeting

📄 Missing and Murdered Dine’ Relatives Task Force
📅 Date: May 28, 2026 @ 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Budget & Finance Committee Conference Room (Window Rock, AZ)

Click on the YouTube link below to join

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