Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address (in Diné Bizaad)
Thursday, February 12, 2026
1. Introduction
2. Upcoming Holidays
- Valentine's Day on February 14: celebrating love, friendship, and the people who make your heart smile
- Presidents Day: honoring leaders who shaped our nation
3. Local Announcements
- Navajo Nation Police recruitment drive February 14 in Crownpoint, NM; physical and written tests required
- Contact Officer Drake at 928-660-1551 for more information
- Missing person: Sequoia Cleveland, 17, last seen Monday, February 9, 2026 in Thoreau, NM
- Contact 505-786-2050 if you have any information
- Located: Aaron Lyle Kayonnie has been found and is safe
- Located: Erin James has been found and is safe
4. FAQ of the Week: How Do I Apply for a Homesite Lease?
- Pick up application from Agency Land offices or online at nnld.org
- Steps include biological review, private archaeologist survey, legal survey, and environmental review
- Final approval by NLD Manager Byron Bitsoie, Sr. on behalf of the Navajo Nation
- Homesite Phone: (928) 871-6523, 6528, 7229 | nnld.org/home/homesite
5. Life Lesson: Visiting with Your Elders
- Regular visits remind elders they are seen, valued, and not forgotten
- Preserves traditions, strengthens family bonds, and keeps history alive
- Caring for our elders is gratitude in action
6. Accomplishments
- Advocacy at NM State Legislature: met with legislators, NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna, and Governor Grisham
- Discussed capital outlay, Tribal Infrastructure Fund, and other funding sources for Navajo Nation projects
- Governor Grisham signed $1.5 billion transportation bonding package creating 13,000 jobs
- Ongoing construction of Highway 264 (Ya-Ta-Hey to Tse Bonito) and Route 64 through Shiprock
- Meeting with Representative Michelle Abeyta and Alamo Chapter officials on roadway improvements
- School visits with Wells Fargo and AISES: Adventure Financial Literacy program with $6,000 in grants to schools
- Attended basketball games in Chinle, Page, Kirtland, and Thoreau
- DC advocacy: met with Congressmen Simpson and Crane, Senators Merkley and Murkowski on Gallup Indian Medical Center funding
- Advocating return of $66 million IHS redirected funds and Special Diabetes Program reauthorization at $170 million
- Crownpoint Modular Facility: 7,900 sq ft building advancing through emergency procurement for multiple programs
- Existing facility tested positive for lead and asbestos; services expected to begin by September
7. Major Projects
- Round Rock Chapter Leadership Meeting: C-store project, cemetery capacity, irrigation upgrades, and road maintenance
- Round Rock Senior Center HVAC contract approved, installation expected within two to three weeks
- NAPI food distributions at Sawmill, Fort Defiance, Crownpoint, Shonto, and Red Lake chapters
- $50 million USDA grant: potatoes, pinto beans, blue corn meal, yellow corn meal, and flour
- Key Turning Ceremonies: Wide Ruins (Feb 4), Dilkon (Feb 11), Indian Wells (Feb 12), three more homes Feb 13
- Work Order 3: 143 of 150 homes delivered; Work Orders 1 and 3: 110 of 200 keys turned over
- Shiprock Chapter House closed since October 31, 2024: mold, leaking roof, ADA non-compliance
- $300,000 invested in repairs; reopening requires Navajo IHS pre-operational inspection and Sanitation Permit
8. Meet and Greets
- Visited Rezbotics Challenge in Kayenta: students designed, built, and operated robots in competition
- Committed to raising $250,000 with NTEC and partners to expand student participation in STEM
9. Upcoming Events
- Arizona high school state basketball playoffs begin this week
- Visit aiaonline.org for game schedules and updates
10. Closing: Thank you and tune in next week!
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This audio program and description are produced by the Navajo Nation Office of the President, which is responsible for its content.
OPVP Media: https://opvp.navajo-nsn.gov/administration/#media
Content Coordination: Kristin Carl and OPVP Media Team
Audio Editor: Byron C. Shorty
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