Jun 1, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Veterans, military families, community members, and Navajo Nation leaders gathered today for the Navajo Nation Memorial Day observance to honor the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
The ceremony included the posting of colors, a wreath laying ceremony, the playing of Taps, and a special flag-folding presentation in which carefully folded American flags were presented to family members in honor of their loved ones’ service and sacrifice.
“As we gather in remembrance today, let us carry forward the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” President Buu Nygren said. “Let us honor them not only with ceremonies and memorials, but through the way we serve one another, the way we support our veterans, and the way we strengthen our communities. To our Gold Star families, we remember your loved ones and share in your sacrifice. To our veterans, thank you for your service and your continued leadership.”
The observance also featured a special appearance by the Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders and a wreath laying ceremony honoring fallen warriors from all branches of the United States military. The presentation of folded flags to family members served as a powerful reminder that the legacy of those who served lives on through the loved ones and communities they left behind.
As long as we tell their stories, honor their service, and carry forward the values they fought to protect, their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today, the Navajo Nation stands united in gratitude, remembrance, and respect for our fallen heroes.
Resources:
Military OneSource: a 24/7 gateway for information, community support, and confidential help for service members and families. Phone: (24/7, toll-free) 800-342-9647
Operation Gratitude: Delivers care packages and letters to veterans, service members, and Gold Star families. Main Phone: 818-909-0039
American Red Cross: Provides emergency assistance through the Hero Care Network. Hero Care Center (24/7): 877-272-7337
Gold Star Families Resources: Special assistance and community support provided through organizations like Gold Star Wives and The Unquiet Professional.
Jun 1, 2026 | News
A season of planting, rain, and new growth is here. As early crops begin to emerge and the land continues to flourish, we are reminded to honor the traditions, teachings, and connection to the earth that sustain our people.
#June #ThinkfortheFuture #NavajoNation
May 31, 2026 | News
NAZLINI — The Nazlini Veterans Organization hosted its annual Memorial Day Ceremony today. Held at the Nazlini Chapter under the theme, “Our Nazlini Heroes Are Never Forgotten – Remembering Those Who Served,” the event served as a solemn reminder of the deep tradition of military service among the Navajo people and the enduring legacy of those who never returned home.
“Across every generation, Navajo men and women have answered the call to serve,” President Nygren said. “They left their homes, families, and communities to defend freedoms that many would never fully understand. Some returned home to continue serving their people. Others made the ultimate sacrifice and never came back.”
President Nygren noted that Native Americans continue to serve in the military at the highest per-capita rate of any ethnic group in the nation and highlighted the approximately 8,000 veterans who call the Navajo Nation home.
“Memorial Day is a sacred time for reflection,” he said. “We honor those warriors whose names are etched into our hearts and whose sacrifices made our way of life possible. Their courage reminds us that freedom is never free, and that service to others remains one of the highest values we can carry as Diné people.”
During his remarks, President Nygren also emphasized the Navajo Nation’s continued commitment to supporting veterans through housing, benefits assistance, and quality-of-life programs. More than 100 veteran homes are currently under construction across the Navajo Nation, while over 150 housing improvement projects have been completed or are underway for veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star families. Additionally, nearly 200 Navajo veterans have received assistance securing federal benefits, resulting in more than $730,000 in retroactive disability payments returned to veterans and their families.
“These are not simply numbers,” President Nygren said. “They represent food on the table, utilities paid, homes repaired, and peace of mind for those who sacrificed for us.”
The ceremony also recognized the leadership of Nazlini Veterans Organization Director Bobbie Ann Baldwin and Navajo Nation Veterans Advisory Council Member Tim Johnson for their dedication to honoring veterans and preserving their stories.
Closing his remarks, President Nygren called on the community to carry forward the legacy of those who served.
“To our Gold Star families, we remember your loved ones. To our veterans, we thank you for your service. And to those warriors who never returned home, we offer our deepest gratitude,” he said. “Their courage lives on in the freedoms we enjoy, in the strength of the Navajo Nation, and in every generation that follows. May we never forget their sacrifice.”
Special recognition was also given to Purple Heart recipients as Nazlini continues its leadership as a designated Purple Heart Community.
May 31, 2026 | News
ST. MICHAELS — As graduation season comes to a close across the Navajo Nation, communities continue to celebrate the hope, resilience, and promise carried by the Class of 2026.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren attended the 76th Commencement Ceremony at St. Michael Indian School, joining graduates, families, educators, and supporters in honoring a new generation of young leaders preparing to begin their next chapter.
The ceremony reflected the rich history and lasting legacy of St. Michael Indian School, where generations of students have built lifelong friendships, strengthened their education, and carried forward values rooted in faith, culture, and perseverance.
This year’s commencement address was delivered by Dylan Moriarty, a member of the Class of 2007 and now a geoscience engineer at Sandia National Laboratories. His journey and accomplishments served as an inspiring reminder to graduates of the opportunities that education, hard work, and determination can create.
Throughout the ceremony, emotions filled the room as the St. Michael choir performed heartfelt songs including “You’ll Be In My Heart” and “Remember Me,” creating touching moments for graduates and their families as they reflected on memories made throughout their school years.
Following the presentation of diplomas and the turning of tassels, President Nygren delivered graduation remarks congratulating the students on their accomplishments and encouraging them as they move forward into adulthood.
President Nygren emphasized the importance of resilience, discipline, character, and maintaining faith during life’s challenges. He reminded graduates that success is built daily through hard work, a positive attitude, and belief in oneself, while also recognizing the role that parents, teachers, friends, and mentors play in helping students reach this milestone.
The ceremony served as a heartfelt celebration not only of academic achievement, but of family, community, and the bright future ahead for the graduating class. Surrounded by loved ones, graduates closed one chapter of life while stepping confidently into another.
The Navajo Nation proudly congratulates the St. Michael Indian School Class of 2026, and wishes each graduate continued success in the journey ahead.
May 31, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren has officially proclaimed May 2026 as Older Americans Month on the Navajo Nation, recognizing the invaluable contributions, wisdom, and sacrifices of Diné elders who continue to strengthen families, communities, and future generations.
Older Americans Month is a nationwide observance that honors older adults and highlights the importance of supporting healthy aging, independence, and community engagement. Across the Navajo Nation, elders serve as cultural knowledge keepers, language speakers, caregivers, mentors, and leaders whose guidance helps preserve Diné values, traditions, and identity.
“Our elders are the foundation of our Nation,” President Nygren said. “Their resilience, wisdom, and lifelong contributions have helped shape who we are as Diné people. We honor them not only during Older Americans Month, but every day for the lessons they teach, the stories they share, and the strength they continue to provide to our families and communities.”
The proclamation also recognizes the vital work of the Navajo Nation Division of Aging and Long-Term Care Support (DALTCS), which provides services and resources that promote the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of older adults. Through caregiver support, home and community-based services, wellness programs, and efforts to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, DALTCS continues to adapt its services to meet the evolving needs of Navajo elders.
The proclamation encourages all Navajo Nation residents to celebrate and honor elders, caregivers, and those dedicated to serving older adults. It also highlights the importance of fostering opportunities for older adults to remain active, connected, and engaged within their communities.
President Nygren signed the proclamation on May 29, 2026, at the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena in Window Rock prior to the opening of the Navajo PRCA Rodeo, reaffirming the Navajo Nation’s commitment to supporting elders and ensuring their wisdom and contributions continue to guide future generations.
May 30, 2026 | News
What a great way to kick off the Home of the Navajo PRCA Rodeo in Window Rock. Last night, families, friends, and rodeo fans came together to enjoy an evening of outstanding competition and community spirit. This year’s rodeo continues to showcase some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the country while celebrating the ranching and rodeo traditions that are such an important part of our Navajo way of life.
The action continues tonight in Window Rock. Gates open at 5:00 PM and the rodeo begins at 7:30 PM. Come out with your family, support the contestants, and enjoy another great night of rodeo action. I look forward to seeing you at the arena.
