May 19, 2026 | News
FARMINGTON, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the San Juan College Graduation Ceremony on May 16, joining graduates, families, faculty, and community members in celebrating the success of the Class of 2026.
More than 500 graduates crossed the stage during the ceremony as supporters filled the venue to recognize the hard work and determination that led students to this milestone. The morning began warm, with temperatures continuing to rise throughout the day as graduates celebrated alongside their loved ones.
President Nygren congratulated the graduates and recognized the commitment it took to reach this achievement.
“Your education is something nobody can ever take away from you,” President Nygren said. “Use what you’ve learned to create opportunities for yourselves, your families, and your communities.”
The Office of the President extends congratulations to the San Juan College Class of 2026 and wishes every graduate continued success in their future endeavors.
May 19, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed and approved a Surplus Sand and Gravel Disposition Permit on May 12, 2026, between the Navajo Nation and the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority to support improvements on the N5001 road project.
The permit allows NECA to remove and utilize excess sand and gravel material from the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills area for non-retail community use only. The use of available material will help reduce construction time and lower project costs while supporting needed road improvements for Navajo communities.
Under the agreement, NECA may remove up to 30,000 cubic yards of surplus sand and gravel within 90 days of approval. The Navajo Nation Minerals Department reviewed the request and issued no objection to the surplus permit.
“This is about making sure we use available Navajo Nation resources responsibly to move projects forward,” President Nygren said. “When we can reduce costs, save time, and improve roads for our people, that is a step in the right direction.”
The agreement includes requirements for site access, recordkeeping, final inspection, compliance with Navajo Nation laws, and protections for the Nation, land users, and occupants.
May 19, 2026 | News
GRANTS, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the New Mexico State University Grants graduation ceremony on May 15 to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 alongside families, faculty, students, and supporters gathered for the occasion.
The ceremony honored graduates for their resilience, determination, and commitment throughout their academic journey while encouraging them to continue building strong communities and pursuing their purpose beyond the classroom.
President Nygren congratulated the graduates and reflected on the dedication required to reach such a major milestone.
“Graduation represents more than earning a degree,” President Nygren said. “It represents sacrifice, discipline, and the determination to keep moving forward even when challenges arise. Our students are proving that hard work and perseverance continue to open doors for future generations.”
President Nygren also spoke about the importance of education, leadership, and carrying Navajo values into every career path and opportunity ahead.
“Wherever life takes you next, never forget where you come from,” President Nygren said. “Your education is not only an achievement for yourselves, but also for your families, your communities, and the future of the Navajo Nation. Continue learning, continue growing, and continue uplifting others along the way.”
During the event, graduates were recognized before family members, friends, and university leadership as the Class of 2026 officially concluded its academic journey at NMSU Grants. The celebration also included opportunities for graduates and attendees to gather for photos and celebrate together following the ceremony.
President Nygren spent time meeting with students, families, and community members throughout the event, where many attendees expressed appreciation for the graduates and their accomplishments.
The Office of the President extends congratulations to the NMSU Grants Class of 2026 and wishes every graduate continued success in their future careers, education, and endeavors.
May 18, 2026 | News
CROWNPOINT, N.M. — Families, faculty, community leaders, and supporters gathered Friday at the Navajo Technical University Wellness Center to celebrate the achievements of the NTU Spring Class of 2026, recognizing graduates who earned degrees and certificates across multiple fields of study.
During the ceremony, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren congratulated graduates for the perseverance and dedication that carried them to this milestone. President Nygren encouraged students to continue believing in their abilities and to use their education to strengthen Navajo communities and create opportunities for future generations.
“To every graduate here today, there is no limit to what you can accomplish,” President Nygren said. “You stayed committed when things became difficult. You continued moving forward when life demanded so much from you. Your family is proud of you. Your community is proud of you. The Navajo Nation is proud of you.”
President Nygren also reflected on the importance of education and cultural identity, emphasizing the role graduates will play in shaping the future of the Navajo Nation.
“Every commencement ceremony reminds me that our students believe in the future of the Navajo Nation,” President Nygren said. “You chose to pursue an education while remaining connected to your roots. You chose to invest your talents into your people and your communities. That deserves recognition and respect.”
The ceremony included remarks and participation from NTU President Dr. Elmer J. Guy, commencement speaker Dr. Tom Davis, Jason Arviso, Rose Graham of the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship, and Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley.
During the event, the World Indigenous University Honorarium Doctoral Degree was conferred upon Dr. Tom Davis. One of the ceremony’s featured moments also included Ashley Joe of Sheep Springs, N.M., receiving her Master of Arts in Diné Culture, Language, and Leadership after being formally hooded by Dr. Casmir Agbaragji, Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
The Office of the President extends congratulations to the Navajo Technical University Class of 2026 and wishes each graduate continued success in their careers, education, and future endeavors.
May 18, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — For many Navajo individuals and families, the path to healing from addiction and trauma has been broken at the most critical moment, the day treatment ends. Without safe, stable housing to return to, relatives who have done the difficult work of recovery too often slip back into the cycles of homelessness, substance use, and family separation that brought them into treatment in the first place.
Breaking that cycle requires more than a treatment bed. It requires a safe place to land afterward. The Navajo Nation is delivering exactly that.
“Housing is healing. For our relatives working hard to rebuild their lives after treatment, a stable home is the foundation that makes everything else possible,” said President Buu Nygren. “This investment in Phoenix means our Urban Relatives are not forgotten. Wherever Navajos live, the Nation stands behind them.”
The Navajo Nation has finalized the $4.9 million purchase of a two-story apartment complex at 825 N. 2nd Avenue in downtown Phoenix, creating dedicated transitional housing for clients who have completed residential treatment. The acquisition was led by the Navajo Department of Health (NDOH) and the Division of Behavioral & Mental Health Services (DBMHS).
The new property closes a critical gap in the Nation’s behavioral health progression. In March 2025, President Buu Nygren cut the ribbon on the Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Iiná Center (YHC), a 37,000-square-foot residential treatment facility serving 92 adults and their families with culturally grounded, trauma-informed care. Including smudging ceremonies, talking circles, and White Bison-developed programming alongside evidence-based clinical practices. With the Center now in operation, the missing piece has been stable post-treatment housing. The newly acquired apartment complex fills that gap.
“When we opened the Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Iiná Center, we promised our relatives that healing would not end at the front door,” said President Nygren. “Transitional housing is the next step on that path. An Indiviual who has done the hard work of recovery deserves a safe home, a key in their hand, and the dignity to rebuild their life. Today, the Nation is keeping that promise.”
The fully furnished complex comes turnkey-ready with appliances, furniture, networking, and security systems. Residents will have continued access to wraparound services and shuttle connections to the Center and nearby medical facilities.
NDOH will manage the property and announce intake procedures in the coming weeks.
For more information on the Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Iiná Center (YHC) visit https://navajo-yhc.com
May 18, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Across the Navajo Nation, EMS professionals are often the first to respond during moments of crisis, bringing lifesaving care, calm, and hope to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. From remote communities to major public events, emergency responders work long hours under intense pressure to protect the health and safety of the Navajo people.
“That’s what I think about when I think about EMS,” stated President Nygren. “You are always there when people need you most.”
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren officially proclaimed May 17–23, 2026, as Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services Week, recognizing the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of EMS personnel serving communities across the Navajo Nation.
This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” honors EMT recruits, Emergency Medical Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, instructors, supervisors, support staff, and administrators who work around the clock to provide emergency medical care.
“You guys are there during the most critical times in people’s lives,” President Nygren said. “A lot of people do not understand the stress, trauma, and responsibility you carry every single day. But regardless of the situation, Navajo people always rise to the occasion. That’s exactly what our EMS teams represent.”
EMS leadership Dr. Delores Greyeyes, NDPS, Chris Kescoli, Department Manager and Ramone Yazzie, Sr., Training Manager highlighted the continued evolution of emergency medical services across the Navajo Nation, including advancements in training, technology, patient care, and safety. These advancements strengthen frontline services, expand workforce capacity, and ensure communities, including elders, and veterans receive timely and companionate emergency response.
Leaders also recognized the growing challenges EMS personnel face in the field and the importance of supporting first responders and their families.
President Nygren emphasized the importance of ensuring EMS personnel remain supported spiritually and emotionally while continuing their service to communities across the Nation.
“You are the first resort and sometimes the last resort for our people,” President Nygren said. “You are heroes every single day.”
The proclamation also recognizes the families of EMS personnel whose support and sacrifice make it possible for responders to answer the call at all hours of the day and night.
President Nygren encourages all Navajo Nation communities to observe EMS Week in honor of the emergency responders who continue to serve the Navajo people with professionalism, compassion, and courage.
For more information on Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services (EMS) visit http://www.navajoems.org
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