Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Introduction: Yá'át'ééh!
Upcoming Holidays or Appreciation Days
1. Indigenous People's Day is October 9
Local Announcements
1. Navajo Homeowner's Assistance Fund
- Call Native Community Capital at: (855) 628-2272, Ex. 701
- Browse to nativecap.org/nhoafund
- Applications open Oct. 1
What is Happening in the World
1. Possible US Federal Government shutdown after Sept. 30
- If federal operations shut down, the Navajo Nation should not feel a direct negative impact right away
- The BIA Area Director will brief me on Friday in Gallup
- We will work with Council delegates to address any cash-flow issues, legislation
This Time in History
Navajo Life Lesson
- Listening is the foundation of better communication
- "In an argument with someone you care about, the best way to get the last word in is to apologize." - Stephen Covey, author
The Week's Accomplishments
1. FY 2023 Comprehensive Budget Signed Into Law
- I signed the fiscal year 2024 Navajo Nation Comprehensive Budget into law
- It includes a 4% general wage adjustment for our valued employees, senior center funding, Head Start funding, school clothing funding, and more
- I thank our tireless staff, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Navajo Nation Council for their diligence
2. ARPA Funding Encumbrance Updates with DCD
- On Monday, my division directors gathered and we set a goal of 9 months to get all ARPA funding encumbered
- As of Sept. 15, we have obligated or expended more than $1 billion of the $2.8 billion we have been allocated
3. Veterans Housing Updates
- We broke ground on two new veterans homes this past week
- Some veterans have waited more than several administrations to receive good homes
- I've tasked the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration with rapidly moving the next 8 homes in each agency towards construction and completion for veterans
4. Navajo Nation EMS
- Navajo Nation EMS Manager Chris Kescoli and Lechee Chapter secured an intergovernmental agreement for EMS operations in Western Agency
- 10 positions will be created for the new facility, which will operate under the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety
Major Projects I Am Working On
1. National Energy Policy Input with the NNWO's Coordination
- My Chief Legal Counsel Bidtah Becker is testifying before the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs today
- I want federal departments and agencies to better work with the Navajo Nation
- Becker will present changes we want to see in the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self Determination Act
2. Diné Action Planning Group Fully Seated
- The DAP will fight social problems like violence, domestic violence, substance abuse, murdered and missing loved ones, and suicide
- As part of their two-day meeting this week, they focused on the issue of finding staff for treatment centers on the Navajo Nation
- We have positions available
Meet & Greets
1. Kirtland vs Grants Football Game
- It was great to be with the crowd cheering on our young athletes and members of the band with their families
2. National Transportation In Indian Country Conference
- I represented the Navajo Nation along with the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation at the federal consultation around transportation funding
- I advocated for bringing more funding back to Indian Country
3. Chickaloon Village
- Chief Garry Harrison and Council Administrator Lisa Wade hosted Council Delegate Shawna Clah (Chairwoman of the Resources and Development Committee) at their local village school
- We appreciate their hospitality and their willingness to build partnerships
Upcoming Events in the Coming Week
1. President Nygren's Fitness Challenge
- My office will host the second fitness challenge during the Northern Navajo Fair in Shiprocl on Oct. 4
- It will be at the Shiprock High School starting at 5:30pm
- The challenge is a 1 minute plank, 1 mile run/job, 20 sit ups, and 20 pushups
- Join us!
Closing: Thank you, and tune in next Thursday!
