The Diné Action Plan (DAP) continues to deliver a coordinated, data-driven response to suicide, substance abuse, violence, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) across the Navajo Nation. As a comprehensive roadmap, the DAP guides Navajo Nation entities and partners in confronting the modern-day naayéé’ (monsters) impacting communities—violence, substance use disorder, suicide, and the crisis of missing and murdered Diné relatives—through shared goals, collaboration, and accountability.
Current data underscores the urgency of this work. In 2022, MMIP rates impacting Diné people were 11 times higher than the national average. In New Mexico alone, 198 Indigenous persons were reported missing, with some cases extending beyond 800 days.
Suicide remains a leading cause of death, with a rate of 28.3 per 100,000, and Diné men are up to five times more likely to die by suicide. Additionally, more than 80 percent of Native women experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
“We should remember the heart of who we are as Navajo people, because we deal with so much pain and hurt. We have to remember to always enjoy what we’re doing,” said President Buu Nygren.
In response, the Navajo Nation has made targeted investments to address these disparities and strengthen systems of care. A $2 million partnership with Navajo Technical University supports the development of an MMIP data dashboard to improve coordination and accountability. The $9.5 million Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Iiná Center provides residential treatment and support services for up to 92 individuals and families. In 2023, $780,000 supported Day At A Time Club, expanding services and establishing a recovery center in Chinle.
“I want to thank all those involved — public safety, the legislative branch, the executive branch, the prosecutor’s office, and our healthcare partners — for their continued commitment to this work,” said President Nygren.
Additional investments have strengthened victim services across the Nation. This includes $743,386 to Ama Doo Alchini Bighan, Inc. (ADABI), $1.2 million to Tohdenasshai Committee Against Family Abuse, more than $1 million to Gentle IronHawk Shelter, and nearly $2.3 million in total victim service contracts awarded since 2024.
The Diné Action Plan remains focused on expanding access to treatment, strengthening public safety systems, and advancing culturally grounded solutions that support long-term healing, resilience, and stability for Navajo communities.
