WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – From the prosecution process to potential federal offices being built on the Navajo Nation, President Nygren shared the needs of the Nation.
“The importance of tribal justice cannot be overstated,” said President Nygren. “For generations, our communities have faced unique and complex challenges that require tailored solutions and robust support.”
President Nygren listed challenges in low prosecutions citing lack of communication between FBI and Navajo Law enforcement, the need to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include those exposed up until the 1990s, and harm from uranium transportation.
Acknowledging President Nygren’s concerns was U.S. DOJ Associate Attorney General Ben Mizer.
“One of the pressing concerns we face is the high rate of decline of federal prosecution of cases,” said President Nygren. “This issue not only undermines the rule of law but also erodes our people’s trust in the justice system.”
President Nygren reported that 20 out of 49 sexual assault or abuse allegations were declined federally, which was also the highest declination rate among cases.
Alongside President Nygren were Attorney General Ethel Branch, Deputy Attorney General Heather L. Clah, Chief Legal Counsel Bidtah Becker, and Legal Counsel Candace Begody-Slim.
Branch also raised concerns about the ongoing human trafficking of Navajo people being taken to the Phoenix Valley for rehabilitation, where communication between the federal government and the Navajo Nation isn’t feasible in aiding the Navajo victims.
“When you go out on your sight tour, you will see and hear the concerns from the people,” said President Nygren. “I always want to emphasize it’s the people we work for. It’s them we care for and why we have these concerns that need to be addressed on a federal level.”
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