Navajo Nation President Nygren has approved a professional services contract to support the development of an interactive Navajo language learning application designed for students in kindergarten through third grade. The initiative represents a major investment in preserving and strengthening the Diné language by providing modern educational tools for children, educators, and families.
The $647,000 project will be led by Native Innovations Inc., a 100% Navajo-owned Priority One business, through a partnership with the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education, the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance, and the Navajo Nation Teacher Education Consortium. Funded through a New Mexico legislative appropriation administered by the New Mexico Public Education Department, the application will align with official Diné Language Standards and provide engaging, age-appropriate instruction for young learners.
The cross-platform application will be available on iOS, Android, and tablet devices and will feature bilingual English and Navajo content, interactive lessons, audio-visual flashcards, storytelling, quizzes, pronunciation by fluent Diné speakers, and offline access to support students in rural communities. A panel of Navajo language educators and cultural experts will guide development to ensure the curriculum remains culturally accurate and educationally effective.
“This investment is about protecting our language by putting it into the hands of the next generation,” said President Buu Nygren. “By combining Diné knowledge with modern technology and supporting Navajo-owned businesses, we are creating new opportunities for our children to learn, speak, and carry our language forward with pride.”
The contract underwent review by the Office of Management and Budget, Office of the Controller, Department of Justice, and other Navajo Nation oversight offices to ensure compliance with procurement and financial requirements. Upon completion, all work products developed under the contract will remain the property of the Navajo Nation, ensuring this educational resource continues to benefit Diné students and communities for years to come.
