On Friday, June 20, I attended the 59th Annual Azee’ Bee Nahagha’ of Diné Nation (ABNDN) Convention Youth Day at the Chinle Spiritual Site. During the event, I also gifted books to our Navajo children who are attending the convention to learn more about their spirituality.
This sacred space offers an opportunity for my office, along with ABDN and the Navajo Division of Children and Families Services (DCFS), to provide direct government services under the “Preserving Navajo Families Initiative.”
Through books and this initiative, we aim to support and strengthen Diné children and families facing many social challenges—what we call Naayee, or social ills.
Over the past few days, our youth have immersed themselves in sheep butchering, guided by First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren and Miss Navajo Nation Ranisha Begay. Throughout the weekend, they will also learn about peyote medicine as a way to promote healing, resilience, and pride in our Diné identity.
Peyote and its use through the Native American Church have been part of our culture for over a century, serving as a means of prayer, healing, and growth. However, we face challenges, including individuals who grow and sell peyote for profit, which threatens the integrity of our cultural ways.
I want to acknowledge these issues and affirm that we are working diligently to combat the misuse—particularly the illegal growing and selling of peyote.
I stand with our leadership and community efforts to protect peyote for our children and future generations.
Thank you to DCFS and ABNDN for organizing this important annual event for our children and families. I also want to express gratitude to the volunteers and community members who helped prepare, assist with butchering, and participated in today’s activities.
May our ancestors’ spirits continue to guide us. I send blessings to each of you. Ahéhee!
— Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
