On Wed., Aug. 13, I had the privilege of joining our community for the Chinle Chapter’s Just Move It run, a three-mile event that was as much about knowing our limits as it was about challenging ourselves. Even with the summer heat beating down, I felt the determination of every runner and walker who showed up. I ran the full three miles and I was proud to see our First Lady participating alongside our people.
The day’s message was clear, know your strength and listen to your body. The temperatures were high, and JMI staff made sure everyone stayed safe, reminding participants to pace themselves and keep hydrated. In our Navajo communities, we know how serious heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be, especially during these intense summer months. That’s why seeing staff pass out water along the route, and offer recovery snacks like pickles and Gatorade at the finish line, meant a lot. It wasn’t just about the run; it was about caring for one another.
What struck me most was the way this event brought people together, elders, youth, and families, all moving forward at their own pace, but sharing the same goal: health, connection, and resilience. Just Move It isn’t just exercise; it’s about building community strength, one step at a time.
For now, JMI will take a short pause during the hottest parts of the summer, but will pick back up on September 13 at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock, Arizona. I’m looking forward to seeing even more people there, ready to walk, run, and keep moving for their health and for our Nation.
Ahéhee’ to everyone who came out today, you inspire me to keep going, mile after mile.
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
