HUERFANO — On June 23, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren traveled to the community of Huerfano to join the Navajo Nation Division of Aging and Long-Term Care Support (DALTCS) in delivering food boxes to elders living in the area.
The food distribution effort is part of DALTCS’ ongoing mission to provide nutrition assistance and supportive services to senior citizens across the Navajo Nation. Through regular deliveries and wellness visits, DALTCS helps elders maintain their independence while ensuring they have access to nutritious food and essential resources.
For the DALTCS employees serving Huerfano, the work goes beyond food distribution. Many of the staff members have built lasting relationships with the elders they serve. Through routine visits and check-ins, they have become trusted faces, helping ensure elders remain connected to available services and support.
Accompanied by DALTCS staff, President Nygren visited four homes throughout the community. At each stop, barking rez dogs announced the arrival of visitors before quickly settling down as conversations and laughter filled the homes. Despite temperatures climbing above 90 degrees and steady winds sweeping across the landscape, elders warmly welcomed guests into their homes.
The food boxes included bread, chicken, ground beef, squash, potatoes, flour, salt, vegetable oil, Hamburger Helper, and other non-perishable items. While the contents may seem simple, the deliveries represent a meaningful source of support for many elders and a reminder that they have not been forgotten.
One visit in particular left a lasting impression.
As President Nygren carried bags of food into the home of a local elder, he was greeted with a bright smile. The two immediately began speaking entirely in Navajo, sharing introductions and exchanging stories. During their conversation, the elder expressed surprise upon learning that the Navajo Nation President was only 39 years old and had no white hair.
With a grin, President Nygren jokingly replied in Navajo that he dyes his hair black.
The room erupted with laughter as the two continued their conversation, teasing one another and sharing stories. As the visit continued, President Nygren learned that the elder was 101 years old. Her sharp memory, humor, and strong spirit left a profound impression on everyone present.
Before the group departed, the grandmother offered a heartfelt prayer, blessing those gathered in her home. The moment served as a powerful reminder of the wisdom, resilience, and faith carried by Navajo elders and the importance of honoring them through service and personal connection.
For President Nygren, these visits are about more than delivering food. It is an opportunity to spend time with elders, listen to their stories, speak the Navajo language, and strengthen the bonds that connect generations across the Navajo Nation.
