WASHINGTON, D.C. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) and the Navajo Nation Department of Transportation (NDOT) on January 21 for meetings on Capitol Hill to advance the Nation’s federal priorities.
The meetings included discussions with Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, as well as the President’s first formal visit with newly appointed Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs William “Billy” Kirkland and newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva (D–AZ-07).
President Nygren and NNEPA Executive Director Stephen Etsitty continued advocating for bipartisan support for uranium cleanup efforts, environmental justice, and the protection of tribal members. President Nygren and NDOT Deputy Director Shelby Dayzie also called for reduced bureaucratic red tape for the Nation’s infrastructure projects and increased support for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) transportation funding.
“This work is critical to the health, safety, and future of our people,” President Nygren said. “From cleaning up legacy uranium contamination to building and maintaining safe roads and infrastructure, these issues directly impact daily life on the Navajo Nation. We are here to ensure our voices are heard and that the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to our Nation.”
This marked President Nygren’s first meeting in Washington, D.C., with Congresswoman Grijalva. During the meeting, the President expressed his admiration for the Congresswoman’s fortitude in stepping into her father’s role to serve Arizona’s 7th Congressional District.
President Nygren looks forward to continuing to build relationships across the aisle in furtherance of the Nation’s priorities.
