Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address (in Diné Bizaad)
Thursday, January 15, 2026
1. Introduction
2. Upcoming Holidays
- January 19 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Honoring a leader who challenged injustice with courage, compassion, and hope
- Dr. King reminded us that progress is possible when we choose love over hate and action over silence
- A day of remembrance and responsibility: to listen deeply, stand up peacefully, and build a more just future
3. Local Announcements
- Missing person: Olivia Joe, 41, last seen Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Tohajilee, NM. Contact 505-786-2050 if you have any information
- Missing person: Tim Lawrence Tsinajinnie, 32, last seen January 1, 2026 in Gap, AZ. Contact 928-283-3111 if you have any information
- Missing person: DeVaughn Dedman, 25, last seen Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Lukachukai, AZ. Contact 928-674-2111 if you have any information
- Located: Braedey Kostas Yazzie has been found and is safe
4. Frequently Asked Question of the Week
- AI scam awareness: scammers use voice cloning to impersonate loved ones in distress
- Be cautious of anyone requesting wire transfers or personal information
- Call police immediately if you sense danger; hang up if something feels "off"
- Navajo youth encouraged to educate elders about AI, computer, and phone scams
- Speaking in Navajo or establishing a secret code word can help verify identity
- Report financial scams to Navajo Police Department: 928-871-6111 or 928-871-6112
5. Life Lesson
- K'é reminds us that we are related, that every person has value, and harmony is created through fairness and compassion
- Dr. King's words: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that, and hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"
- Encouragement to honor elders, support communities, and walk forward together in balance, respect, and strength
6. Accomplishments
- Third People's State of the Navajo Nation held at Shiprock High School
- 1,000-home initiative progress: CHID administering $100 million for new home construction
- 84 modular homes completed, 64 installed, 13 foundation pads ready under Navajo Hopi Land Commission and Veterans Administration
- 25 new vehicles deployed for senior centers; $184 million legislation for senior center renovations
- Grand openings for senior centers in Tohatchi, Nazlini, and Tuba City
- Shiprock economic development: Flea Market opening, $22.5 million Shiprock Pinnacle Hotel investment
- Shiprock First Responders Substation near completion; temporary detention facility opened
- $6.2 million investment to bring San Juan River water to Naschitti
- $267 million San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant started in April
- Shonto Hotel project update: January 9 meeting reaffirmed commitment to completing the 82-room, $16 million facility
- Executive Order signed for third round of hardship checks in 2026 using ARPA funds
- Home burnout response: multiple incidents across all agencies; emergency housing support provided by Navajo Housing Authority
- American Red Cross and Department of Emergency Management provided assistance including food boxes, water, and blankets
- Residents encouraged to prioritize electrical inspections and hire licensed electricians for repairs
7. Closing: Thank you and tune in next week!
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