TO’HAJIILEE, N.M. — Originally built in 1935, the current To’hajillee community school campus has served generations of students but continues to face infrastructure and flooding challenges due to its location within a flood zone. The new school will be constructed on approximately 42 acres near the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, creating a safer and more resilient learning environment for students from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the groundbreaking ceremony this morning for the To’Hajiilee Community School Bureau of Indian Education Replacement School Project, marking a major milestone for students, families, and future generations in the community.
“This project is about investing in our children, our future, and the long-term strength of our communities,” said President Nygren. “Our students deserve modern schools that support learning, preserve culture and language, and create opportunities for generations to come.”
President Nygren joined Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, New Mexico State Representative Michelle Paulene Abeyta, Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley, and representatives from the Bureau of Indian Education during today’s ceremony recognizing years of collaboration and advocacy to move the long-awaited project forward.
The new replacement campus represents decades of advocacy and collaboration between tribal leadership, federal agencies, Congress, school officials, and community members working together to modernize educational infrastructure for Diné students.
Congress appropriated funding for the project in December 2022, with approximately $90.4 million awarded in August 2023. The project is currently in the design and pre-construction phase, with Bradbury Stamm Construction leading design development, planning, and pre-construction services.
The new facility is expected to improve student safety, expand academic opportunities, and support long-term cultural and language preservation efforts while also creating economic opportunities for Navajo-owned businesses, subcontractors, and local workforce participation throughout construction.
