First, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late Dominique “Molly Marie” Nez. Her death is a heartbreaking tragedy that has shocked our Navajo community.
While her case is still under investigation, I want to assure our people that my office, Navajo Division of Public Safety and other Executive Branch divisions, continue to offer prayers, support, and critical government services to help lay our beloved matriarch—sister, daughter, auntie, niece—to rest with dignity.
It is truly disheartening to see members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council politicizing this tragic event.
Speaker Crystalyne Curley, Law and Order Chairwoman Eugenia Charles Newton, and Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Chair Amber Kanazbah Crotty issued a June 19 statement on social media titled “Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force calls for urgent action to support the family of Dominique ‘Molly’ Nez” calling for action while we have been focused on supporting the family.
During this difficult time, my office has refrained from making any public statements out of respect for the family’s privacy. Instead, my office has been focused on supporting the grieving family, not on political posturing. Our community’s grief and emotional well-being deserve compassion, not division.
While the investigation is ongoing, my office has taken concrete steps to support the Nez family — offering counseling services, assisting with burial logistics, assisting them with financial assistance – to ensure their loved one is laid to rest with respect and dignity on their family land. I also have our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and Disability Affairs liaison working closely with the family.
In these moments of intense grief and loss, emotions run high—anger, sadness, and helplessness. That’s why the Navajo Division of Public Safety, Navajo Police Department, and executive offices are required under the Executive Order signed on May 5th to deliver trauma-informed care through every service they provide.
Investigations take time, and the proper authorities are responding with the utmost sensitivity.
I urge the Council to focus on tangible ways to support the Nez Family directly during this crisis. My office and the Executive Branch are fully committed to holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice is served for Dominique “Molly Marie” Nez.
This is a moment for unity, compassion, and decisive action. We owe that to Molly Nez’s family and to the Navajo people who expect us to stand together in the face of tragedy.
-Dr. Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation
