Jul 13, 2026 | News
The Navajo Nation continues investing in projects that strengthen outdoor recreation, tourism, and economic opportunity across the Nation.
President Buu Nygren has signed a $617,615 Professional Services Contract with Aquatic Consultants, Inc. to complete the final design and engineering for the Wheatfields Lake Recreation Area. The project is funded through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and represents an important step toward revitalizing one of the Navajo Nation’s most popular outdoor destinations.
The final design will include engineering and planning for improved campgrounds, covered picnic areas, roadways, drainage systems, fire pits, picnic tables, and other recreational amenities. The project also includes a habitat enhancement plan designed to improve spawning conditions and strengthen fish populations, helping preserve Wheatfields Lake as a premier fishing destination for generations to come.
Each year, Wheatfields Lake attracts thousands of visitors from across the Four Corners region for fishing, camping, hiking, and family recreation. Modernizing the recreation area will improve safety, accessibility, and the visitor experience while supporting tourism and local economic growth.
By investing in projects like Wheatfields Lake, the Nygren Administration is helping create lasting opportunities that protect Navajo natural resources, promote outdoor recreation, and strengthen communities across the Navajo Nation.
Jul 12, 2026 | News
GLENDALE, AZ — Navajo Nation President Nygren joined thousands of fans at Desert Diamond Arena on Saturday evening, July 11, to participate in the ceremonial coin toss before the Arizona Rattlers’ Native American Heritage Night game. The Arizona Rattlers, a professional indoor American football team, hosted the special event celebrating the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous communities throughout Arizona.
President Nygren was joined on the field by Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey for the honorary coin toss prior to kickoff between the Arizona Rattlers and the Tucson Sugar Skulls. The Rattlers defeated the Sugar Skulls 41-25 before an energetic crowd.
“It was an honor to represent the Navajo Nation during Native American Heritage Night,” President Nygren said. “I want to thank the Arizona Rattlers for recognizing and celebrating the Native American tribes of Arizona. With 22 federally recognized tribes across our state, evenings like this remind us of the importance of honoring our cultures, our history, and the many contributions Indigenous people continue to make every day.”
Throughout the evening, Native culture was highlighted for fans from across the region. Pregame festivities featured a performance by the Northern Avenue drum group alongside Native dancers, celebrating Indigenous culture through traditional song and dance before kickoff. The Pee-Posh Veterans Association presented the colors during the National Anthem, honoring the service and sacrifice of Native veterans. Northern Avenue also returned during halftime with another performance for the packed arena.
President Nygren also expressed his appreciation to Maurice Brown, a Navajo from Tuba City, Arizona, for his hospitality and behind-the-scenes tour of Desert Diamond Arena. Known throughout the organization as “Coach Mo,” Brown serves as the Arizona Rattlers’ Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Director of Team Operations, overseeing the team’s athletic performance programs and operational logistics.
“It was great to see another Navajo making such a meaningful impact within a professional sports organization,” President Nygren said. “Maurice represents our people with excellence, and I appreciate the hospitality he extended throughout the evening.”
President Nygren thanked the Arizona Rattlers organization for hosting Native American Heritage Night and creating an atmosphere that celebrated Indigenous traditions while bringing communities together through sports, culture, and entertainment.
Jul 12, 2026 | News
The Navajo Nation continues to strengthen its commitment to agriculture and natural resource stewardship through the renewal of Arizona State grazing land leases that support Navajo livestock producers.
On July 9, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed lease agreements, administered through the Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources, renewing access to Arizona State trust lands for a 10-year term from March 24, 2026, through March 23, 2036.
The renewed leases encompass more than 18,800 acres of Arizona State trust lands, ensuring continued access to grazing areas that support livestock production and responsible land management.
“Navajo ranchers have relied on these grazing lands for generations,” said President Buu Nygren. “Securing these lease renewals helps provide certainty for livestock producers while reinforcing our commitment to protecting agricultural resources that are vital to our communities and our economy.”
Livestock production remains a cornerstone of the Navajo Nation’s agricultural heritage and continues to support families across the reservation. By renewing these leases, the Navajo Nation is helping preserve access to grazing lands while promoting responsible stewardship and sustainable use of natural resources.
The Navajo Nation extends its appreciation to the Division of Natural Resources and the Arizona State Land Department for their continued collaboration in advancing the lease renewal process. The agreements represent another step toward strengthening agricultural opportunities and supporting the long-term success of Navajo ranchers.
Jul 11, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Nygren welcomed the three contestants competing for the 74th Miss Navajo Nation title to the Office of the President and Vice President on Friday. Representing communities across the Navajo Nation, the contestants shared their personal stories, aspirations, and commitment to serving the Navajo people as they prepare for the prestigious Miss Navajo Nation pageant.
The 2026 contestants are:
- Contestant #1 — Rochelle Francisco, Valley Store, Arizona
- Contestant #2 — Tonana Ben, Chilchinbeto, Arizona
- Contestant #3 — JoAnni Begay, Pinedale, New Mexico
Joining the visit were current Miss Navajo Nation Camille Uentillie, Program Supervisor Carletta Benally, former Miss Navajo Nation Amy Begaye (2023–2024), and former contestant Breanna Nez, who welcomed the contestants and shared words of encouragement as they begin their journey toward the crown.
President Nygren spoke about the significance of carrying the Miss Navajo Nation title, emphasizing that it represents far more than a competition. He encouraged each contestant to embrace the opportunity to serve as a cultural ambassador, lead with humility, and inspire future generations through the preservation of Diné language, culture, and traditions.
As part of the visit, President Nygren presented each contestant with a copy of Diné Bich’eekę́’ Yishłeeh (Becoming Miss Navajo) by Jolyana Begay-Kroupa. He read a page from the book aloud, encouraging the contestants to take time to read it as they prepare for the pageant.
The book shares the personal story of what it takes to earn the esteemed Miss Navajo Nation title, going beyond a traditional pageant to highlight cultural knowledge, Navajo language fluency, traditional food preparation, resilience, leadership, and service to the community. President Nygren said he hopes the book will inspire each contestant as they continue preparing for the months ahead.
President Nygren also encouraged the contestants to continue speaking the Navajo language every day, reminding them that language is at the heart of Diné identity. He offered words of support and shared that resources are available to help strengthen their language skills throughout their Miss Navajo Nation journey.
“The Miss Navajo Nation title represents leadership, service, and the strength of our Diné women,” said President Nygren. “Each of you has stepped forward to serve something greater than yourselves by helping preserve our language, culture, and traditions. Continue speaking our language, continue learning, and know that there are people and resources here to support you every step of the way.”
The Office of Miss Navajo Nation’s mission is to preserve and promote Navajo culture by selecting a Goodwill Ambassador who exemplifies the qualities of First Woman, White Shell Woman, and Changing Woman. Miss Navajo Nation represents womanhood while serving as a leader, teacher, counselor, advisor, and friend to the Navajo people. In accordance with the Navajo Nation’s commitment to preserving Diné culture, the office encourages every Navajo citizen to help protect and strengthen the language, traditions, and values that define the Nation.
Throughout the summer, the contestants will prepare for the 74th Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, which will take place in September during the Navajo Nation Fair. The competition showcases traditional knowledge, public speaking, cultural teachings, leadership, Navajo language proficiency, and the ability to represent the Navajo Nation with dignity and honor.
For updates on the contestants and more information about the Office of Miss Navajo Nation, follow the Office of Miss Navajo Nation on Facebook or visit the Office of Miss Navajo Nation website: https://omnn.navajo-nsn.gov/
Jul 11, 2026 | News
CROWNPOINT, N.M. — Construction on the new Crownpoint Modular Office Facility is set to begin on Tuesday, July 7, marking a major milestone in expanding government services for communities across the Eastern Agency.
Construction of the project was made possible through emergency legislative and executive action to accelerate delivery of the long-awaited facility. Navajo Nation Legislation No. 0177-22 authorized approximately $3.879 million from the Síhasin Fund to construct the new modular office building.
To move the project forward after procurement delays, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed an emergency procurement contract with Bitco on Feb. 5, allowing construction to proceed.
The project originally broke ground on May 3, 2024. Once completed, the new 7,900-square-foot facility will replace aging office buildings that have deteriorated over time due to structural deficiencies, mold, and the presence of outdated building materials.
“This project reflects our commitment to delivering essential government services closer to the people we serve,” said President Buu Nygren. “By removing barriers that delayed construction, we are making sure families in the Eastern Agency have access to modern, safe facilities where they can receive the services they need.”
The new modular office will house several Navajo Nation programs under one roof, including the Navajo Division of Human Resources, the Navajo Office of Vital Records and Identification, and the Navajo Nation Department of Child Support Services.
For many residents of the Eastern Agency, obtaining these services has often required traveling to Window Rock. Once the facility is complete, community members will be able to access many of these essential government services in Crownpoint, significantly reducing travel time and making services more convenient and accessible for families throughout the region.
Jul 10, 2026 | News
FORT DEFIANCE — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren spent Saturday morning with local youth at the Diné Youth Skate Comp, hosted by Diné Youth–Fort Defiance Agency, where skateboarders from across the community gathered for a day of competition, encouragement, and fun.
The event began at 10:00 a.m. and featured three competition divisions for ages 6–9, 10–13, and 14–18. Throughout the day, participants showcased their skills while family members, friends, and supporters cheered them on.
Despite the summer heat, the event was filled with smiles, laughter, and high-energy moments as President Nygren visited with youth, watched the competition, and celebrated the positive impact of community events that promote healthy recreation, confidence, and youth engagement.
President Nygren also recognized the sponsors and partners whose generosity helped make the event possible through donations of skateboards, prizes, snacks, and other giveaways, including Seven Layer Army, Enchantment Skate Shop, Sports World, Dead Pawn Skateboards, and the Office of the President and Vice President.
Swipe through to see highlights from a fun-filled day celebrating Navajo youth, community, and the spirit of skateboarding.
