SHIPROCK, N.M. — Hundreds of Diné citizens from across the Navajo Nation gathered at Shiprock High School to attend the third People’s State of the Navajo Nation Address.
Attendees heard directly from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and division directors about key accomplishments and ongoing initiatives across the Nation.
Significant progress has been made in housing. Under the 1,000 Home Initiative, the Division of Community Development’s Community Housing and Infrastructure Department is administering $100 million for the construction of new homes. Additional homes are also being built through the Navajo–Hopi Land Commission Office, which has completed construction on 84 modular homes, installed 64 of them, and prepared 13 additional foundation pads for installation.
Last year, in a commitment to better serve elders, President Nygren accompanied Indian Affairs Secretary Josette Monette on a tour of chapter and senior center facilities across the Nation. Under this administration, the Navajo Department of Health has deployed 25 new vehicles for senior centers and begun utilizing $184 million in funding for remodeling and renovation of senior centers. Grand openings have already taken place in Ganado, Tselani/Cottonwood, Nazlini, and Tohatchi.
Economic development in the Shiprock area continues to advance, marked by the opening of the Shiprock Flea Market and a $22.5 million investment in the Shiprock Pinnacle Hotel, which is currently under construction.
Public safety improvements are also underway, with construction nearing completion on the Shiprock Incident Command Center. A temporary detention facility has opened, eliminating the need for long transports to Kayenta and allowing officers to spend more time patrolling local roads.
Access to water remains a top priority. A $6.2 million investment is bringing San Juan River water to Naschitti, and earlier this year, the Nation celebrated the groundbreaking of the $267 million San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant.
These are just a few of the projects and goals advanced under the Nygren Administration. Community members are encouraged to read the full State of the Nation Address to learn more about accomplishments and ongoing efforts to deliver services directly to the people.
