TWIN ARROWS, Ariz. — Navajo women veterans from across the Navajo Nation and beyond gathered on March 19 at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort for the second annual Navajo Women Warriors Day of Recognition and Women Veterans Conference.
The event is dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifice, and resilience of Navajo women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, put on by the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration.
The conference, now in its second year, continues to grow as a vital space for recognition, healing, and connection. Many veterans may not always have the time to receive services so this is designed as a “one-stop shop.”
The event provided essential services including VA disability claims assistance, medical exams, benefits counseling, and access to a wide range of veteran support resources. By bringing these services directly to veterans, organizers aim to reduce barriers and ensure that Navajo women receive the full benefits they have earned.
“This conference is about making sure our women veterans feel seen, heard, and valued,” said NNVA Executive Director Bobby Ann Baldwin. “Many of our veterans have carried their service quietly for years. Today, we honor their stories and ensure they are supported moving forward.”
A key feature of the event was its emphasis on creating a safe, all-women-centered environment. This intentional approach allowed participants to engage openly, reconnect with fellow service members, and share experiences across generations—from Vietnam-era veterans to those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Gulf War.
The gathering fostered a powerful sense of unity, healing, and community among attendees. By keeping it centered on women, participants were able to open up more freely, talk about their experiences, and connect without added stress or pressure with each other and more importantly, with the service providers. That sense of safety helped make the day more personal and meaningful.
The conference also highlighted strong partnerships with organizations including the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans, and the Arizona Department of Veterans Services. These collaborations helped bridge critical gaps in care by providing on-site expertise, direct services, and long-term support pathways because women veterans are not just women veterans. Most often she’s mom, aunty, grandma, the care provider, the breadwinner and receiving services often boil down to time and offering these opportunities for services is critical.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in networking sessions, breakout discussions, and cultural programming, including entertainment and recognition ceremonies. The event not only honored past service but also empowered women veterans in their ongoing roles as leaders, mothers, grandmothers, and community advocates.
Guest speakers included Joshua Wear, rural health coordinator for Northern Arizona VA Health Care, Executive Director Center of Women Veterans, Office of Secretary, U.S.Dept. of Veteran Affairs Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd, Research Health Science Specialist, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs Dr. Michelle Megeling, and Tribal Outreach Coordinator, Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, Arizona Department of Veterans Services Geraldine Kinsel-Begay.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren shared a video message expressing his deep appreciation:
“Today is about honoring your service, but also recognizing your journey after service. Navajo women have always carried strength in many forms. As President, I remain committed to strengthening services for our veterans across the Navajo Nation… To all of our Navajo women veterans, we see you, we honor you, and we thank you.”
Looking ahead, organizers outlined plans to expand the conference to each agency across the Navajo Nation, ensuring services reach veterans in their local communities. Future goals include increased staffing, enhanced programming, and broader outreach to serve more veterans, including those from neighboring tribal nations.
The Navajo Women Veterans Conference stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Navajo women warriors and the Nation’s commitment to honoring their legacy. By building community, expanding access to care, and uplifting their voices, the event ensures that Navajo women veterans continue to be recognized not only for their service, but for the leadership and inspiration they bring to future generations.
