May 17, 2026 | News
Join President Buu Nygren for a Meet & Greet at the Frybread Lounge in Phoenix on Wednesday, May 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Community members, entrepreneurs, and small business owners are invited to join the conversation on strengthening the Diné economy, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities for Navajo entrepreneurs.
Location: The Frybread Lounge, Phoenix, AZ
When: Wednesday, May 20
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
⚠️ Seating is limited to 55 guests.
We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your ideas for the future of Diné business and economic growth.
May 16, 2026 | News
As this Armed Forces Day comes to a close, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the brave men and women who have served and who continue serving in the United States Armed Forces. Today is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, discipline, and commitment carried by those who choose to wear the uniform in defense of our Nation and our freedoms.
To every active duty service member, veteran, reservist, and National Guard member, thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you and your families make every single day. Because of your dedication, we have the privilege of living freely, speaking freely, and building better futures for our communities and our children.
On the Navajo Nation, military service has always held deep meaning. Our people have a proud history of answering the call to serve, from the Navajo Code Talkers to the many Diné men and women serving around the world today. That spirit of service, protection, and honor continues through each generation.
I encourage all of us to live each day with gratitude and never take our freedoms for granted. The freedoms we enjoy were protected by individuals willing to stand far from home, spend time away from loved ones, and place service above self.
On behalf of the Navajo Nation, thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country. We honor you, we pray for your safety, and we remain grateful for your sacrifice and dedication to the United States of America.
May 15, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK— Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed a service contract on May 13, 2026, to support critical pavement repair work on Navajo Routes N12, N27, and N59 in Oak Springs, Nazlini, and Dennehotso, Arizona. The agreement with CB Emulsion, LLC totals $1,999,902 and will address deteriorating roadway conditions that have impacted safety and travel for community members.
“Improving roads across the Navajo Nation has always been one of my top priorities because our people depend on safe and reliable transportation every day,” said President Nygren. “From school buses and emergency response vehicles to families traveling between communities, these investments are about protecting our people and continuing to build stronger infrastructure for future generations.”
The project will focus on repairing damaged pavement sections along key travel corridors, including areas between Oak Springs and Chilchinbito, where roadway conditions have continued to worsen over time. These repairs are intended to improve driving conditions, reduce hazards for motorists, and strengthen long-term transportation safety for residents who rely on these routes daily.
The contract supports ongoing efforts by the Navajo Division of Transportation to restore aging roadways and provide safer travel conditions for the public. Officials noted that repairing these failing pavement sections is critical to protecting travelers and maintaining dependable access between Navajo communities.
May 15, 2026 | News
TEMPE, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation proudly recognizes and celebrates the students honored during the American Indian Celebration Program hosted by Arizona State University on May 15, 2026.
Hosted by American Indian Student Support Services (AISSS) and the American Indian Celebration Committee, the annual celebration brought together students, families, alumni, faculty, tribal leaders, and supporters to recognize the accomplishments of Indigenous graduates and celebrate their academic success.
The event featured blessings, cultural performances, graduate recognition, and remarks from Indigenous leaders, alumni, and students, creating a meaningful celebration centered on education, identity, and community. Graduates were also honored with commemorative stoles, continuing a tradition that recognizes perseverance, leadership, and achievement.
Many Navajo students were recognized during the celebration, representing their families, communities, and the Navajo Nation through their hard work and dedication. Their accomplishments reflected the growing number of Navajo students continuing to pursue higher education while carrying their culture, language, and teachings with them throughout their academic journeys.
American Indian Student Support Services continues to provide support and resources for Indigenous students across Arizona State University, creating welcoming spaces that help students succeed academically while staying connected to their cultures and communities.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, who is also an Arizona State University alumnus, congratulated the graduates and shared words of encouragement as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
“We are proud of all of our Indigenous students who continue to work hard and achieve their goals,” said President Nygren. “Your accomplishments reflect the strength of your families, your communities, and the future of our people. Continue believing in yourselves and carry your teachings with you wherever you go.”
The celebration also highlighted the importance of Indigenous-centered spaces in higher education, where students are supported academically, culturally, and personally throughout their educational journeys.
The Navajo Nation proudly celebrates the achievements of Indigenous graduates and especially recognizes the Navajo students who continue to represent the Nation with pride, determination, and excellence.
May 15, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation gathered today at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park to honor and remember fallen officers of the Navajo Police Department during the annual Navajo Police Department Fallen Officers Memorial held in observance of National Police Week.
The memorial ceremony brought together law enforcement, government leadership, families, and community members in a solemn tribute recognizing the officers who gave their lives in service to the Navajo people. The program included the posting of colors, prayers, remarks from leadership, the reading of fallen officers’ names, moments of silence, and closing prayers.
The memorial represented a powerful moment of remembrance, unity, and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting Navajo communities. It served as a reminder that the safety and well-being of the Navajo Nation has long depended on officers willing to answer difficult calls, serve in dangerous situations, and dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the courage, sacrifice, and lasting legacy of Navajo law enforcement officers who dedicated their lives to protecting communities across the Navajo Nation. The event also recognized the families, friends, and fellow officers who continue to carry the memory of their loved ones with strength.
“Let us remember not only how these officers died, but more importantly how they lived—with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Navajo people,” said Sgt. Marwin Joe. “To serve our people was their calling; to remember them is our duty.”
Sharen Sandoval, Chief of Staff for the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, also addressed attendees, emphasizing unity, remembrance, and continued support for officers and their families.
“Today is not only about loss—it’s also about unity,” Sandoval shared. “Even in sorrow we find purpose, and even in loss we find strength. To our fallen officers, we thank you, we honor you, and we will carry your legacy forward.”
President Nygren continues to support Navajo law enforcement officers and remains committed to strengthening public safety across the Navajo Nation through continued investment, support, and advocacy for the officers who serve communities every day.
The following fallen officers were honored and remembered during the ceremony:
Chief of Police Hoska Thompson; Police Officer Burton Begay; Police Sergeant Loren B. Whitehat Sr.; Police Officer Andy Begay; Police Officer Roy Lee Stanley; Police Sergeant Hoskie Allen Gene; Police Officer Samuel Anthony Redhouse; Police Officer Esther Todacheenie; Police Officer Winsonfred A. Filfred; Police Sergeant Darrell Cervandez Curley; Police Officer Ernest Jesus Montoya Sr.; Police Officer Alex K. Yazzie; Police Officer Leander Frank; Police Officer Houston James Largo; Police Sergeant Lamar Martin; Police Officer Michael E. Lee; and Criminal Investigator Esther Charley.
The Navajo Nation extends its deepest gratitude and remembrance to all fallen officers and their families, whose sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.
May 15, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK — Maintaining a clear separation of powers within the Navajo Nation government is essential to ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness for the Navajo people. The Nation’s system of checks and balances was established to prevent any one branch of government from holding too much authority and to protect the integrity of institutions responsible for budgeting, financial oversight, and public trust. Decisions involving the Nation’s budget and financial planning directly impact communities, programs, infrastructure, and essential services across the Navajo Nation.
On May 11, 2026, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren vetoed Resolution CAP-31-26, legislation that sought to amend Navajo Nation law governing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), citing concerns over separation of powers, checks and balances, and the independence of the Nation’s budget process.
“The Navajo Nation established separation of powers to prevent the concentration of authority in any one branch of government,” President Nygren said. “This legislation undermines those protections and weakens the independence of the Office of Management and Budget, which was intentionally created to serve as a neutral and professional institution for budget planning and oversight.”
The legislation would fundamentally shift authority over the OMB Director away from the Executive Branch and place it under the “general direction and guidance” of the Navajo Nation Council, a change that conflicts with the 1989 Title II Amendments, which established the Navajo Nation’s modern system of government with three separate and equal branches.
Furthermore, the legislation would create confusion within the Executive Branch by requiring the OMB Director to potentially answer to both the President and the Navajo Nation Council simultaneously. President Nygren warned that this could place the OMB Director in an “untenable and impossible position,” especially during disagreements between the Executive and Legislative Branches regarding budget matters.
The OMB was intentionally structured as an independent office within the Executive Branch to provide checks and balances in financial planning, grants management, and intra-governmental auditing. President Nygren stated that shifting political direction over the office could erode public trust and weaken the integrity of the Nation’s budget process.
President Nygren further noted that major structural changes involving the balance of power between branches of government should ultimately be decided by the Navajo people.
“I remain committed to protecting the integrity of Navajo government and ensuring that our institutions operate in accordance with Navajo law and the principles established by the people,” President Nygren said.
