Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address (in Diné Bizaad)
Thursday, January 1, 2026
1. Introduction
2. New Year's Message
- Reflection on traditional teachings: Hózhó, K'é, and Sa'ah Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóón
- Leadership grounded in balance, harmony, and responsibility
- K'é reminds us leadership is about responsibility to one another, not division or personal gain
- ARPA funds deadline approaching: urgency and opportunity for the Nation
- Resources to strengthen communities, improve infrastructure, expand water and broadband access
- Call to Navajo Nation Council Delegates for unity and purpose
- T'áá hwó' ají t'éego: we each have a responsibility to do our part
- Commitment to clear communication, timely decision-making, and accountability
- Final year of ARPA implementation to leave legacy of progress and hope
3. Local Announcements
- Missing person: Shayne Gary Lyndon Bahe, 18, last seen Thursday, December 18, 2025 in Many Farms, AZ
- Contact 928-674-2111 if you have any information
- Located: Ray Ben has been found and is safe
- Located: Maily Constance Dwarf and Marlon Bede have been found and are safe
4. Accomplishments
- IHS Tribal Consultation meetings: advocated for key priorities including new Gallup Indian Medical Center
- Emphasis on improved operational efficiency, accountability, and transparency
- IHS Realignment Initiative aims to modernize organizational structure
- Concern raised: proposed plan eliminates Navajo Area Region, potentially reducing Navajo Nation voice
- Written comments due February 9, 2026 to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Additional consultation session for Navajo Area Region scheduled January 5, 2025 in Flagstaff, AZ
- Tuba City Domestic Violence Shelter land withdrawal finalized
- $14 million in committed funding unlocked for critical safety and support services
- 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women experience violence in their lifetime
- Family Harmony Program emergency mobile response: 928-660-8991
- Chinle Agency: HVAC infrastructure improvements for 10 senior centers
- Round Rock Senior Center heating system contract in 164 review process
5. Major Projects
- Key turning ceremonies continue in Fort Defiance Agency
- Twin Lakes and Oak Springs homes delivered before holidays with gift baskets and holiday hams
- This week: two homes in Klagetoh, two homes in Fort Defiance
- Greasewood Springs leadership meeting December 29: discussed RRRF projects, housing, aquifer recharge
- CHID: six of ten applicants completed documents, four listed for homes under work orders 4 and 5
- Nine windmills in Greasewood Springs identified for repairs or rebuilds
- Greasewood Springs Chapter built 1962, deteriorating foundation and infrastructure needs
- DCFS symposium at Twin Arrows: training for 480 staff on grief, trauma, domestic violence, cultural preservation
- Inscription House and Navajo Mountain: Housing Support Letters led to rapid infrastructure improvements
- New water infrastructure, cisterns, electrical connections, bathroom additions within 6 weeks to 2 months
6. Upcoming Events
- Tuesday, January 13: 3rd People's State of the Navajo Nation at Shiprock High School at 8 AM
- Direct report to Northern Agency community
- Previous reports in Fort Defiance (Window Rock) and Western Agency (Tuba City)
- Resources and program information available, Q&A opportunity
7. Closing: Thank you and tune in next week!
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Audio Editor: Byron C. Shorty
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