Jul 21, 2026 | News
Congratulations to Crystalyne Curley and Justin Jones on your successful campaigns. Your victories reflect the trust that the Navajo people have placed in your leadership, your vision, and your commitment to serving our Nation.
Campaigns require sacrifice, perseverance, and countless hours spent listening to communities across Navajo. Today is a moment to celebrate that hard work, but it is also the beginning of an even greater responsibility.
As leaders, we all share the same purpose—to improve the lives of our people, strengthen our government, and create greater opportunities for future generations. While we may approach challenges from different perspectives, our shared commitment to the Navajo Nation must always come first.
I wish you both continued wisdom, strength, and success as you take on the important work ahead. Congratulations once again, and may we all move forward together in the spirit of unity, respect, and service to the Diné people.
President Buu Nygren
Jul 17, 2026 | News
GALLUP — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed 24 Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) with New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Cabinet Secretary Josett Monette on Thursday, July 16, advancing more than $11.5 million in infrastructure and community development funding for Navajo communities in New Mexico.
The agreements, totaling more than $11,564,700 and spanning fiscal years 2023 through 2025, will support projects benefiting 22 Navajo chapters. The signing marks significant progress in clearing longstanding agreements and moving critical state-funded projects closer to implementation.
“This is about getting projects across the finish line for our chapters and making sure our communities receive the investments they have been waiting for,” President Nygren said. “Over the past three and a half years, we have worked closely with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration to resolve longstanding agreements and find solutions together. Today’s signing shows the progress we are making, and it gives our chapters in New Mexico more opportunities to move important projects forward.”
President Nygren signed the agreements during the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department’s Infrastructure Grants Session at the University of New Mexico-Gallup Calvin Hall Center. The all-day session brought Navajo chapter representatives together with state and Navajo Nation officials to discuss Capital Outlay and Tribal Infrastructure Fund processes, improve the processing of IGAs, and provide direct assistance for individual projects.
The 24 agreements will benefit the Lake Valley, Tse’ii’ahi, Crownpoint, Twin Lakes, Gadii’ahi-To’koi, Upper Fruitland, To’hajilee, Ramah, Whitehorse, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Thoreau, White Rock, Crystal, Naschitti, Tse Alnaozti’i’, Tooh Haltsooi, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Two Grey Hills, Torreon-Star Lake, Ojo Encino, and Tsa-Ya-Toh chapters.
Projects supported through the agreements include infrastructure and community improvements such as HVAC upgrades at Crystal Chapter, bathroom construction in the Whitehorse Lake area, and construction of a Veterans Memorial Park at Two Grey Hills, among other projects.
President Nygren emphasized that advancing these agreements is especially important for Navajo communities in New Mexico, where partnerships with the state help chapters address infrastructure needs, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for future economic and community development.
The signing also represents continued progress between the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico in addressing the backlog of IGAs. Secretary Monette noted that 30 IGAs have been processed since January, with the state working toward executing Fiscal Year 2027 agreements before the end of the year.
President Nygren thanked Secretary Monette, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development, chapter officials and staff, and all those who have worked to move the agreements forward.
“I want to thank everyone who has remained committed throughout this process,” President Nygren said. “These projects move forward because of the dedication of our chapter officials, state partners and community leaders. We have made important progress, but we have to keep pushing forward, complete the projects already underway, and make sure the next round of agreements moves even more efficiently for our Navajo communities.”
Through the Tribal Infrastructure Act and other state funding mechanisms, IGAs provide a pathway for the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico to coordinate the planning, design, and construction of projects that strengthen infrastructure, support economic development, and improve the quality of life for Navajo families and communities.
Jul 17, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed and approved Resolution No. RDCJY-16-26, approving the Navajo Housing Authority’s (NHA) Fiscal Year 2027 Indian Housing Plan and authorizing an estimated $130.6 million in federal Indian Housing Block Grant funding to support housing operations, maintenance, construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure development across the Navajo Nation.
The FY 2027 Indian Housing Plan serves as NHA’s annual strategy for administering federal housing funds and establishes priorities to address housing needs across Navajo communities.
“We are making real progress in housing, and this plan gives us another opportunity to elevate that work and continue building on what we have accomplished,” President Nygren said. “Over the past three years, we have worked to support more than 1,000 homes for Navajo families. Our goal is to create more opportunities for families to have safe, quality homes while making the investments in infrastructure that allow us to build even more across the Navajo Nation.”
The plan allocates approximately $23.99 million for planning and administration, $54.46 million for the operation, maintenance, and modernization of existing housing units, and $52.13 million to address housing needs throughout the Navajo Nation.
The housing needs allocation will support new public rental housing and homeownership opportunities, rehabilitation of existing homes, housing infrastructure, accessibility improvements for individuals with disabilities, housing services, crime prevention initiatives, and rental assistance programs. These investments are intended to address overcrowding, expand affordable housing options, and provide greater support for low-income Navajo families.
During a meeting with President Nygren, NHA Chief Administrative Officer Terrilynn Cook, Grants Manager Nellie Gilmore, and Chief Operations Officer Ernest Franklin provided an overview of the Indian Housing Plan, its annual federal allocation process, and NHA’s housing priorities.
NHA leadership discussed efforts to address existing housing conditions through annual inspections and applications from families while continuing to invest in housing assistance, maintenance, and new residential development. They also emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, including sewer, water, and electrical systems, to support future housing projects and open more opportunities for residential construction.
Updates were also provided on ongoing projects, including the construction of new housing units in Chinle and Navajo and efforts to relocate families from older housing units with hazardous conditions. NHA is also working to expand housing development in other areas, including preliminary coordination with the Indian Health Service on infrastructure needs.
NHA leadership also discussed the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning system designed to modernize and automate internal operations. The system aims to reduce paper-based processes, integrate departments, strengthen data management, and improve the tracking of housing projects.
“This is about continuing the momentum we have created and making sure we are positioning the Navajo Nation for even greater progress,” President Nygren said. “When we strengthen our partnerships, improve our processes and invest in the infrastructure needed for development, we create more opportunities to put homes on the ground and provide our families with the housing they deserve.”
President Nygren thanked Cook, Gilmore, Franklin, and the entire NHA team for their continued work and encouraged continued collaboration to expand housing opportunities throughout the Navajo Nation.
Jul 17, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK — On Tuesday, July 14, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed Resolution No. CJY-33-26, approving more than $407 million in investments that will significantly expand broadband infrastructure and strengthen public safety services across the Navajo Nation.
The legislation advances a four-year, $244.6 million Broadband Infrastructure Projects Expenditure Plan while providing $162.7 million for two major public safety facilities through the Capital Development Financing Act and the Capital Development Financing Fund.
“This legislation represents an investment in our future,” President Nygren said. “Reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it is essential for education, healthcare, emergency response, economic opportunity, and keeping our communities connected. At the same time, investing in modern public safety facilities ensures our police officers, dispatchers, corrections staff, prosecutors, and judicial employees have the resources they need to better serve our people.”
The broadband initiative will fund the construction of 45 new communications tower sites, upgrades to existing infrastructure, and more than 700 miles of new fiber, with the goal of providing 5G wireless coverage to 88 percent of the Navajo Nation by 2028. The plan also provides the Navajo Nation’s required match for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, unlocking approximately $287 million in previously awarded federal broadband funding while expanding connectivity to chapter houses, libraries, schools, and other community facilities.
President Nygren recognized Division of Broadband Office Executive Director Sonia Nez for her leadership and dedication in advancing the Nation’s broadband vision.
“In the years ahead, children growing up in communities across the Navajo Nation will be able to connect to opportunities from their own homes because of the work being done today,” President Nygren said. “Many may never know the people who made that possible, so I want to thank Sonia Nez and her team for their commitment and their vision for future generations.”
The legislation also provides financing for two long-awaited public safety projects: the Shiprock Judicial Public Safety Complex and the Dilkon Public Safety Building. These facilities will provide modern workspaces for law enforcement, corrections, prosecutors, and judicial personnel while improving services for victims, families, and communities.
President Nygren also thanked Division of Public Safety Executive Director Dr. Delores Greyeyes for her leadership in securing support for the public safety appropriations and acknowledged the continued collaboration among the Division of Public Safety, Navajo Nation Police Department, Criminal Investigations Services, Department of Corrections, prosecutors, and judicial personnel.
The President expressed appreciation to the Navajo Nation Council, the legislation’s sponsors and co-sponsors, the Office of the Controller, the Navajo Nation Broadband Office, and the many departments whose collaboration made the legislation possible.
“This is about building a stronger Navajo Nation for generations to come,” President Nygren said. “When our families have reliable internet, students have greater educational opportunities, patients can access telehealth services, entrepreneurs can grow businesses, and first responders can communicate quickly during emergencies. These investments will improve the quality of life for our people while strengthening the infrastructure our Nation depends on every day.”
President Nygren was joined for the signing by representatives from the Navajo Nation Broadband Office, Division of Public Safety, Navajo Nation Police Department, Criminal Investigations Services, Department of Corrections, prosecutors, chapter leadership, and other partners who have helped advance broadband expansion and public safety initiatives across the Navajo Nation.
Jul 16, 2026 | News
As we continue through another wildfire season, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to every Navajo Nation firefighter, Hotshot crew member, and emergency responder who has answered the call to serve.
On behalf of the Navajo Nation, ahéhee’ for your unwavering courage, strength, and sacrifice. Your commitment to protecting our families, homes, livestock, natural resources, and our sacred lands reflects the very best of who we are as Diné. Whether you are battling fires here at home or assisting neighboring communities, your dedication and professionalism inspire us all.
The long days, difficult conditions, and time spent away from your loved ones do not go unnoticed. Because of your selfless service, our communities are safer, and countless lives and resources have been protected. We are deeply grateful not only for the work you do, but for the heart and determination you bring to it every single day.
Thank you for your service throughout this fire season. We pray for your continued safety, strength, and protection as you remain on the front lines. The Navajo Nation stands with you, is proud of you, and is forever grateful for your sacrifice.
Ahéhee’ for all that you do.
— President Buu Nygren
Jul 13, 2026 | News
GALLUP, N.M. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the retirement celebration of Martha Williams, recognizing her remarkable 41-year career as an Indian Community Health Representative (CHR) and thanking her for a lifetime of dedicated service to the Navajo people.
Throughout more than four decades of service, Williams worked tirelessly as a frontline public health worker, serving communities including Mariano Lake, Thoreau, Smith Lake, Casamero Lake, and surrounding areas on the Navajo Nation. Known for her compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others, she became a trusted advocate for Navajo elders, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs were met.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Williams continued serving on the front lines during one of the most challenging periods in public health. Wearing full protective equipment, she visited homes, checked on elders, delivered essential care, and helped protect some of the Navajo Nation’s most vulnerable community members.
Addressing family, friends, coworkers, and community members gathered for the celebration, President Nygren expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Williams and the lasting impact she has made.
“You are a very special and important person,” President Nygren said. “You put your life on the line to help others during one of the hardest times our Nation has faced. You worked hard because you cared—not because of what you would receive in return. Looking around this room, every person is here because of the impact you’ve made on their lives. We are all here to celebrate you, and I am truly thankful for everything you’ve done for the Navajo people.”
President Nygren also recognized the many honors Williams earned throughout her career, including numerous service, appreciation, and achievement awards that reflect her dedication to public service and the countless lives she touched.
“The work of Community Health Representatives often happens quietly, one home and one family at a time, but its impact reaches across generations,” President Nygren said. “Martha’s kindness, selflessness, and dedication have strengthened our communities and improved the lives of so many. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who choose a life of service.”
President Nygren congratulated Martha Williams on her well-earned retirement and wished her many years of good health, happiness, and time with her family. He thanked her for 41 years of unwavering service, compassion, and commitment to the Navajo Nation.
