TSAYATOH, N.M. — On September 24, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with Tsayatoh Chapter leaders and community members to address decades of challenges in housing, infrastructure, and education.
Tsayatoh, a community of just over 900 residents located northwest of Gallup along Interstate 40 and Highway 264, has long faced barriers caused by its checkerboard land status, stalled agreements, and limited access to essential services.
Families spoke of waiting years for power and water connections, with some still hauling water nearly 40 miles several times a week. Others called for home repairs, streetlights, paved roads, and sewer improvements for families displaced by coal mining operations.
Chapter leaders said they need to accelerate stalled powerline and waterline projects so that homes can be connected without further delay. They also raised concerns about road safety, pointing to washed-out access roads, unfinished work on West Tsayatoh Road, and culverts that fail during heavy rains. These conditions make it difficult for families to travel safely and for children to get to school.
Education was also highlighted as a community priority. Chapter leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Navajo language and history are taught by fluent speakers, thereby preserving cultural knowledge for future generations.
President Nygren pledged to press agencies and partners to cut through red tape and bring long-promised projects to completion.
“Tsayatoh families have waited far too long. We’re going to make sure these projects get completed and this community receives the housing, infrastructure, and services they deserve,” President Nygren said.
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