NAZLINI, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined elders, chapter officials, and families to celebrate the grand opening of the Nazlini Senior Center — a project shaped by years of dedication, collaboration, and respect for the elders of this community.
The ceremony opened with a heartfelt moment as students from Nazlini Community School led the National Anthem, representing the next generation honoring those who came before them.
Nazlini celebrates a completed 3,915-square-foot senior center featuring a cafeteria and kitchen, office space, a wellness and fitness room, and a paved ADA-accessible parking lot. The center will continue providing congregate meals, home-delivered meals, recreation, socialization, transportation, and supportive elder services for Nazlini and surrounding communities.
The vision for this center began years ago. In 2018, $1.95 million was first secured through CAP-32-18, signed by Speaker LoRenzo Bates and approved by then-President Russell Begaye. The Nazlini Chapter later contributed $750,000, and in August 2022, former President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer approved Resolution CJY-30-22, adding $2 million in Síhasin funding. Together, these efforts brought the total project investment to approximately $4 million.
Despite pandemic-related cost increases, the project moved forward. CPMD staff Andy Thomas and Marcus Murphy managed construction to keep it on track, while former Delegate Kee Allen Begay, Chapter Officials, and community advocates worked tirelessly to secure resources. Nazlini Chapter Secretary Johnson Claw also played an active role in supporting the chapter’s efforts during this process. Arviso Construction served as the general contractor, with groundbreaking held on September 15, 2022.
During construction, Senior Center Supervisor Fannie Mann continued her steady leadership, ensuring elders received meals, support, and services throughout the building process.
President Nygren also highlighted broader progress across the Navajo Nation, including reopening senior centers, new facilities underway, ADA improvements, and the deployment of 25 new Jeep Wagoneers to strengthen transportation for elders.
The Nazlini Senior Center stands as a symbol of unity, perseverance, and deep respect for the elders who guide the Navajo Nation.