Apr 25, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has approved updates to the Navajo Homeowner Assistance Fund, strengthening support for Navajo families facing rising housing costs and financial hardship.
The updated terms significantly increase Mortgage Principal Reduction Assistance to better reflect today’s housing market. Eligible households with at least one senior homeowner (55 and older) may now receive up to $225,000 in principal reduction assistance, while other qualified households may receive up to $175,000. These increases are designed to help families stay in their homes as loan balances and housing costs continue to climb.
Home Repair Assistance funding has also been expanded. The maximum assistance amount per household is now increased to $200,000, helping address urgent repair needs driven by higher material costs and labor shortages. This support allows families to make critical home improvements that ensure safety, livability, and long-term stability.
In addition, the total allowable assistance cap under the program has been raised to $275,000 per household. This adjustment ensures that families who need both mortgage relief and home repairs can access the full level of support necessary without being limited by previous caps.
President Nygren said these changes reflect a commitment to meeting the real needs of Navajo families.
“As housing costs continue to rise, we must respond with solutions that keep our people in their homes and provide the resources needed to maintain them,” said President Nygren. “This expansion ensures our families have a stronger foundation and greater stability moving forward.”
The updates also include a technical clarification to income reduction requirements, ensuring applicants demonstrate sustained hardship over a 12-month period during the program timeline.
These updates reinforce the Navajo Nation’s commitment to protecting and expanding Navajo homeownership. By increasing access to mortgage relief and critical home repairs, the Nation is helping families remain in their homes, preserve generational stability, and intergenerational wealth.
Apr 25, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren extends his congratulations to Navajo chef Justin Pioche on his incredible victory on “Chopped” during the special episode “Indigenous Inspiration,” which aired April 21 on Food Network.
Competing against top Indigenous chefs from across the country, Pioche showcased exceptional skill, creativity, and cultural pride through each round of the competition. Using Indigenous ingredients and techniques, he delivered standout dishes that earned him the championship title and the $10,000 prize.
His win marks a powerful moment, not only as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the strength and richness of Indigenous cuisine on a national stage. From the kitchen to the screen, Pioche carried the spirit of the Navajo people with him, representing Diné excellence with every plate.
“Justin’s victory is a proud moment for the Navajo Nation,” said President Nygren. “He showed the world that our culture, our food, and our traditions are something to be celebrated at the highest level.”
As he celebrated with family, friends, and supporters, the Navajo Nation flag waved proudly, symbolizing unity and pride in his accomplishment.
Congratulations to Justin Pioche on this outstanding achievement and for inspiring the next generation of Navajo chefs and entrepreneurs!
Apr 24, 2026 | News
FARMINGTON, N.M. — On April 18, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined Navajo Preparatory School for its inaugural gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating students, community, and the bright futures ahead for Diné youth.
The event brought together supporters, alumni, educators, and community leaders in a powerful show of unity and investment in education.
Organized in just 60 days, the gala raised an impressive $45,900 from 22 sponsors and featured a silent auction with $25,000 worth of items—demonstrating strong community commitment to student success.
The evening was in support of scholarship opportunities that directly support Navajo Prep students. These include the Board of Trustees Scholarships such as the Academic Excellence Scholarship awarded to the valedictorian, the William Tso Memorial Scholarship for the salutatorian, the Ernesteen Bates Memorial Scholarship, and additional Academic Merit Scholarships.
Student fee scholarships also play a vital role in supporting residential life, academic programming, athletics, and student activities. Programs like the Nááts’iilid and Eve’s Fund scholarships further assist students as they transition to college.
“This evening shows what’s possible when our communities come together for our youth,” said President Nygren. “Every scholarship represents support and the belief in the potential of our Diné students.”
Later, the evening also featured remarks from alumna Kellianne Staggers `18 and Watson Whitford `23, who shared how their experience at Navajo Prep shaped their path grounded in culture and community.
Through the generosity of donors and supporters, Navajo Prep’s scholarship programs continue to open doors for students, ensuring access to high-quality education.
Navajo Prep continues to demonstrate outstanding outcomes. Serving 314 students in grades 9–12, with 62 percent participating in the residential program, the school has maintained a 94 percent graduation rate since 2020. Notably, 100 percent of the Class of 2025 has been accepted into a four-year college or university.
#NavajoPrep #DinéYouth #EducationMatters #NavajoScholars #Scholarships
Apr 24, 2026 | News
I want the Navajo people to know that I am actively working to move forward another hardship assistance program for our communities, with a focus on supporting families who are truly experiencing hardship.
In January, I issued an Executive Order requesting information and clarification from the Office of the Controller so we can better understand available funding and move this effort forward. My office continues to follow up, and we are working to get the information needed to make informed decisions.
There has also been clarification regarding the hardship funding. While funds were identified, they are not automatically required to be used for a hardship program and could be directed to other eligible expenditures under current authority.
That means there is still a path forward, but it depends on having clear numbers and alignment.
Once we have confirmed funding amounts, the next step will be working with the Controller to establish clear parameters for distribution. This should be targeted support for those experiencing real hardship, rather than a broad distribution, so we can ensure the resources reach the families who need it most.
My priority is to see these funds directly support our people, and we will continue working with all parties to make that happen.
I encourage our people to stay engaged, communicate with your Council delegates, and make your voices heard as we move this process forward together.
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
Apr 23, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren welcomed students from Wildcat Christian Academy, located in Blackhat, N.M., to the Office of the President and Vice President, where he connected with them by reading a Navajo children’s book, sharing his personal journey, and encouraging them to pursue education with purpose and pride.
During the visit, President Nygren greeted the students warmly, introducing himself not only as a leader, but as a father and role model. He distributed books to each student and read aloud from a Navajo story, engaging them in the reading while emphasizing the importance of language, culture, and lifelong learning.
He also shared a Bible verse in Navajo and spoke about how he continues to strengthen his own language skills through daily reading, encouraging the students to embrace both their faith and cultural identity.
President Nygren reflected on his educational path, from earning his degrees at Arizona State University to completing his doctorate at the University of Southern California. He reminded students that education is something no one can take away and opens doors for future opportunities.
When asked about his role as President, Nygren emphasized that his most important responsibility is to inspire and give hope, especially to young people. He spoke about the importance of being a good role model by working hard, staying humble, and leading with kindness.
The visit concluded with a question-and-answer session, leaving students with a message rooted in encouragement and possibility.
Apr 23, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Nygren welcomed and honored the Page High School Lady Sand Devils during a special visit to the Office of the President and Vice President on Tuesday, April 21, recognizing their 2026 Arizona 3A State Championship season and the resilience behind their title run.
The Lady Sand Devils captured the championship in February with a thrilling 32–30 victory over the Window Rock Lady Scouts at a packed Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Trece Tsingine was named the MVP for the championship game helping lead the team to its second state title in three years. The team finished the season 17–14 overall and 6–5 in the 3A North Region.
The roster brought together student-athletes from communities across the Navajo Nation, including Shonto, Kaibeto, LeChee, Bodaway Gap, and Page, reflecting strong Navajo pride throughout the season. Their journey was defined by perseverance, as the team played much of the year in Page’s middle school gym due to issues with their high school floor, while also overcoming injuries and tough losses.
Senior Aubrey Dodson shared that a highlight of the season was being surprised with their newly completed gym just in time for the postseason.
During the visit, the team shared lunch with President Nygren, reflecting on their journey and the teamwork it took to reach their goal. Head Coach Celeste Claw praised the group’s determination and chemistry, noting their ability to stay focused through adversity.
The Lady Sand Devils will graduate five seniors this year. Several shared their next steps, including Aubrey Dodson, who will continue her basketball career at South Mountain Community College, and Tayla Franklin, who will play at Yavapai Community College. Issianna Brown plans to attend college while also serving in the Air Force Reserves.
President Nygren congratulated the team and shared words of encouragement for their future.
“You faced challenges all season, but you stayed together and believed in each other,” said President Nygren. “That resilience is what made you champions, and it will carry you far.”
Also in attendance was Miss Navajo Nation Camille Uentillie, who encouraged the team to continue striving for success and giving back to their communities.
The entire team roster includes Tayla Franklin, Jade Sombrero, Arianna Yazzie, Aubrey Dodson, Issianna Brown, Savannah Franklin, Sarah Dodson, Kamerann Tsosie, Makyra Williams, Trece Tsingine, Peyton Willie, Maya Cambridge, Mackenzie Bedonie, and Teairra Tadytin.
The coaching staff includes Head Coach Celeste Claw, Assistant Coaches Bill Tresh, Sunni Crank, and Torrance Begay.
The Navajo Nation proudly recognizes the Page Lady Sand Devils for their championship season and for representing their communities with strength, pride, and heart.
