WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with tribal members on November 20 to discuss the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) proposed realignment and the Nation’s priorities heading into the next round of tribal consultations scheduled for December.
The discussion focused on ensuring that the Navajo Nation’s voice is strong, coordinated, and clearly represented as IHS considers structural changes that could impact patient care, advisory committees, and the future of the Navajo Area Office. Leaders reflected on the first round of consultations held in July and emphasized the need for elected officials to be present and vocal during the next phase.
Participants expressed concerns about potential area eliminations and the impact such changes could have on tribal advisory committees, health programs, and long-standing partnerships. President Nygren noted that other tribes, particularly in the Phoenix Area, have voiced strong opposition due to the lack of regional meetings, underscoring the importance of comprehensive and equitable consultation.
Tribal members highlighted the Navajo Area IHS’s patient home medical care model, which prioritizes immediate and accessible care especially for elders and those facing transportation barriers. This model relies heavily on Community Health Representatives and health educators, whose certification efforts are advancing through collaboration with Northern Arizona University. The Navajo Area IHS currently receives $50 million annually to support these programs, and work is underway to onboard a Chief Medical Officer to further strengthen services.
President Nygren emphasized that maintaining the current structure of the Navajo Area Office is vital for managing programs, contracts, and the delivery of culturally informed care. As the December consultation approaches, he reaffirmed the Nation’s commitment to unified advocacy, strong representation, and ensuring that any federal realignment supports not disrupts quality care for Navajo families.