TUCSON, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren were honored June 6 with Arizona FFA Honorary State Degrees during the 96th Annual Arizona FFA State Leadership Conference, held June 5-7.
The award, presented before more than 13,000 members and guests, recognizes outstanding contributions to agriculture, youth leadership and community advocacy.
President Nygren said the enduring agricultural values of the Diné people are what is creating the next generation of leaders, which are similarly reflected through FFA, or Future Farmers of America.
“We’re building more than careers — we’re nurturing land, water, and the strength of our communities,” President Nygren said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure, water access and agriculture education amid ongoing drought conditions on the Navajo Nation.
Arizona FFA State Vice President Azalia Harvey-Leo, a Diné leader and one of the state officers who helped organize and lead the conference, said the theme “With Purpose” captured the heart of their mission.
“Our organization was once looked at as “A club just for farmers,” yet, our determination was just more than a club,” said Harvey-Leo. “From it being named as ‘Future Farmers of America’ to the ‘National FFA Organization’ because it was more than just farming and animals, it was more than just soil and plants, it was a future through new generations of agriculturalists who have a determination to keep a dying art alive and well.”
Throughout the year, FFA has provided scholarships, leadership training, grants, and career-building opportunities to youth statewide.
President Nygren previously proclaimed
February 21 as Navajo Nation FFA Day, celebrating the next generation of farmers and ranchers blending tradition with innovation.
President Nygren dedicated the honorary degree to Navajo youth and all those who protect the land, saying their resilience is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership.
