Mar 24, 2026 | News
As of March 2026, New Mexico Medicaid—now known as Turquoise Care—now covers traditional healing services for Native American members. The Navajo Nation is the first to implement this program, marking an important step toward more culturally responsive healthcare.
With this change, eligible members can access traditional healing practices that were previously paid out-of-pocket or provided through informal exchanges. This recognizes the vital role traditional healing plays in overall well-being.
Services are available through participating tribal healthcare facilities, including Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal 638 programs. Patients may be referred to certified traditional healers, with services that can include traditional herbs, prayers, and ceremonies supporting physical, mental, and spiritual health.
To respect cultural practices, services may take place in clinical settings, at home, or in ceremonial spaces—ensuring care is delivered in a way that honors tradition and community values.
For Information, visit: http://www.hca.nm.gov/turquoise-care/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Mar 24, 2026 | News
The Navajo Nation is reminding community members that resources are available for individuals and families seeking to file a claim under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
The RECA electronic claims portal is available through the U.S. Department of Justice for eligible applicants filing online. The updated law was enacted on July 4, 2025.
Important information:
- Deadline to file: December 31, 2027
- Portal registration is separate from filing
- Applicants must complete the full application and click “Submit My Claim” for the claim to be officially filed
Documents you may need:
- Medical records
- Proof of presence or employment
- Life records needed to verify identity
Navajo Nation assistance is available:
Community members do not have to go through the process alone. Support is available through the Office of Navajo Uranium Workers and through Community Representatives serving in each of the five Navajo Nation agencies.
Office of Navajo Uranium Workers
505-368-1260 / 1261
505-368-1266
Community members may also contact their local Community Representative for assistance.
The Navajo Nation also urges families to be cautious of scammers, fraudulent services, or predatory attorneys offering help for a fee. No Diné family should have to pay for assistance filing a RECA claim.
Learn more at: justice.gov/civil/reca
Mar 23, 2026 | News
The Diné Action Plan (DAP) continues to deliver a coordinated, data-driven response to suicide, substance abuse, violence, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) across the Navajo Nation. As a comprehensive roadmap, the DAP guides Navajo Nation entities and partners in confronting the modern-day naayéé’ (monsters) impacting communities—violence, substance use disorder, suicide, and the crisis of missing and murdered Diné relatives—through shared goals, collaboration, and accountability.
Current data underscores the urgency of this work. In 2022, MMIP rates impacting Diné people were 11 times higher than the national average. In New Mexico alone, 198 Indigenous persons were reported missing, with some cases extending beyond 800 days.
Suicide remains a leading cause of death, with a rate of 28.3 per 100,000, and Diné men are up to five times more likely to die by suicide. Additionally, more than 80 percent of Native women experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
“We should remember the heart of who we are as Navajo people, because we deal with so much pain and hurt. We have to remember to always enjoy what we’re doing,” said President Buu Nygren.
In response, the Navajo Nation has made targeted investments to address these disparities and strengthen systems of care. A $2 million partnership with Navajo Technical University supports the development of an MMIP data dashboard to improve coordination and accountability. The $9.5 million Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Iiná Center provides residential treatment and support services for up to 92 individuals and families. In 2023, $780,000 supported Day At A Time Club, expanding services and establishing a recovery center in Chinle.
“I want to thank all those involved — public safety, the legislative branch, the executive branch, the prosecutor’s office, and our healthcare partners — for their continued commitment to this work,” said President Nygren.
Additional investments have strengthened victim services across the Nation. This includes $743,386 to Ama Doo Alchini Bighan, Inc. (ADABI), $1.2 million to Tohdenasshai Committee Against Family Abuse, more than $1 million to Gentle IronHawk Shelter, and nearly $2.3 million in total victim service contracts awarded since 2024.
The Diné Action Plan remains focused on expanding access to treatment, strengthening public safety systems, and advancing culturally grounded solutions that support long-term healing, resilience, and stability for Navajo communities.
Mar 23, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Nygren has signed a Business Site Lease agreement between the Navajo Nation and Giant Four Corners, LLC doing business as Speedway Convenience Store and Gas Station located in Tohatchi, N.M., supporting continued economic development and essential services for the community.
The lease was approved through the Division of Economic Development (DED) Business Site Lease Approving Committee in accordance with Navajo Nation Business Leasing Regulations. This action authorizes the continued operation of the convenience store, fuel services, and propane sales on Navajo Nation trust land.
Giant Four Corners, LLC has been operating the business since March 2024 under an existing agreement that was set to expire on March 14, 2026. The approval of this new lease ensures there will be no disruption in services and allows the business to continue contributing to the local economy and serving residents in the Tohatchi area.
The agreement establishes a 10-year lease term, with options for two additional five-year renewal terms, subject to Navajo Nation approval and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The lease also provides structured rental payments that benefit the Navajo Nation, beginning at $7,500 annually for the first five years, with scheduled increases during the remaining term.
Located along U.S. Highway 491, the business serves as an important resource for the Tohatchi community and surrounding areas by providing fuel, convenience goods, and essential services for both residents and travelers.
The Fort Defiance Regional Business Development Office recommended approval of the lease after confirming that all required documentation, including environmental clearances and procurement requirements, were completed and that the business remains in good standing.
The approval of this lease reflects the Navajo Nation’s continued commitment to strengthening economic opportunities, supporting local businesses, and ensuring reliable services remain available to communities across the Nation.
Mar 22, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Supporting Navajo veterans remains a central priority of the administration of Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, with ongoing efforts focused on expanding access to benefits, housing, medical services, and long-term support for those who have served.
Through the work of the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration (NNVA), 194 veterans were assisted in 2025 in securing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation. Many of those served include Vietnam-era veterans who waited decades to receive the benefits they earned through their service. NNVA’s accredited team continues to guide veterans through each step of the claims process, including filing an Intent to File, establishing Power of Attorney, and preparing documentation for physical, psychological, and moral injuries such as combat trauma and Military Sexual Trauma.
As a result of these efforts, veterans received more than $730,000 in retroactive disability payments in 2025 alone. For some veterans, including those rated at 100 percent disability, benefits may reach approximately $4,000 per month tax-free, providing critical access to medical care, counseling, and essential living support.
The Nygren Administration continues to work toward improving and streamlining the process for veterans seeking housing, healthcare, benefits, job opportunities, training, and transportation services. Plans are also underway to strengthen coordination through a model veterans division in Window Rock that will focus on efficiency, accessibility, and direct collaboration with Navajo veterans.
The Navajo Nation recognizes the deep commitment of its warriors, who serve in the U.S. military at one of the highest rates per capita of any group in the country. Under President Nygren’s leadership, ensuring that veterans receive the support and respect they deserve remains a top priority.
Mar 22, 2026 | News
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Ganado Unified School District has donated educational materials that will be distributed to E-Rate libraries and students across the Navajo Nation, helping expand access to learning resources in local communities.
The materials consist primarily of elementary-level workbooks designed to support students’ learning and academic development.
Community representatives Shar Soce and Relinda John will coordinate the pickup and distribution of the remaining materials for E-Rate libraries and students throughout Navajo Nation chapters.
Through the efforts of Sonia Nez and the Navajo Nation Broadband Office, 70 boxes of books have already been delivered to chapters including Sawmill, Fort Defiance, Ganado, Chinle, Many Farms, Round Rock, and Lukachukai. Approximately 90 boxes of books remain and will be divided among community representatives for delivery within their respective agencies to ensure students across Navajo Nation communities have access to these valuable educational resources.
The E-Rate program, also known as the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Program, provides eligible schools and libraries with 20 to 90 percent discounts on telecommunications services, internet access, and internal network connections.
Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the Federal Communications Commission, the program distributes up to $3.9 billion annually to help bridge the digital divide.
Sonia Nez and her team with the Navajo Nation Broadband Office have worked to ensure that small libraries have been established in several chapters across the Navajo Nation, expanding access to internet connectivity, educational materials, and digital resources for students and families.
On March 10, 2026, Community Representative Vikki Shirley also delivered Broadband/E-Rate books to the Rough Rock and Rock Point communities as part of the ongoing distribution effort.
The Navajo Nation extends appreciation to the Ganado Unified School District, the Navajo Nation Broadband Office, and community representatives for working together to strengthen educational opportunities for students across the Navajo Nation.
You must be logged in to post a comment.