January 15, 2026

Description

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!

###

This audio program and description are produced by the Navajo Nation Office of the President, which is responsible for its content.

Content Coordination: Kristin Carl and OPVP Media Team

Audio Editor: Byron C. Shorty