FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – As part of Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s goal to address social and mental health ills, the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services will use more than $800 million to support the empowerment of Navajo youth.
“Our Navajo children are the future of our Nation,” the President said. “We must provide them with every opportunity to flourish and succeed in all aspects of life.”
At a work session here Wednesday, the Navajo Division of Social Services outlined plans to boost resources for foster care, adoption, early childhood programs and youth development initiatives.
Thomas Cody, Navajo Division of Social Services executive director, brought together professionals, experts and stakeholders to discuss ways to address high rates of poverty, unemployment and lack of economic opportunity among Navajo communities.
The massive investment also will strengthen and preserve Diné culture and traditions. Cody called the commitment unprecedented and said it shows the Navajo Nation’s priority is investing in its future generations.
“I want to set a path for our elders and children so they see a light at the end of the tunnel – giving them hope,” Director Cody said. “We need to make the Diné Action Plan a priority. We need to fight together to help empower our people.”
A focus of the work session was to expand tourism and manufacturing on Navajoland, improve access to capital for small businesses, develop renewable energy, increase Navajo language revitalization and boost high school and college graduation rates.
The division hopes to better prepare students for in-demand careers and support building new hospitals, clinics and access to services, especially in remote areas.
President Nygren commended the Division of Social Services for its dedication to deliver programs and services to the Nation’s most vulnerable citizens – its children.
Navajo Nation Council Delegate and Health, Education & Human Services Committee Chairman Vince R. James, his colleagues Council Delegates Germaine Simonson and Dr. Andy Nez, Arizona state Senator Theresa Hatathlie and Miss Navajo Nation Amy Naazbah Begaye attended the work session.
The Diné Action Plan was developed to address economic development, education, health care, water infrastructure and other priorities for the Navajo people. DAP is a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the Navajo Nation across multiple sectors over the next decade through coordinated policies and programs.
“Through their compassionate work, they are helping to empower new generations of Diné with the tools needed to reach their full potential,” President Nygren said. “This is how we will continue to strengthen our communities and people for many generations to come.”
Director Cody said his division’s decision to allocate such a substantial amount of funding demonstrates the administration’s commitment to the future of Navajo children. By pooling resources and expertise, he said the division will strive to create an environment to nurture every child to ensure their holistic development and success.
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