WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren announced September as Navajo Nation Recovery and Suicide Prevention Month.
During the 76th Annual Navajo Nation fair, inside the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena, President Nygren told the crowd that every Diné person is cherished and significant.
“Each of you is special and loved,” President Nygren stated. “We provide evidence-based mental health resources and support for those in recovery from the Navajo Department of Health. Never lose hope, Sihasin, because you are powerful Holy Beings. You are here for a reason. Be proud of being Diné!”
President Nygren signed the suicide awareness proclamation before the start of the rodeo and the headliner concert group, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
The Navajo Nation Mortality Report shows suicide as the eighth leading cause of death among Navajos from 2015 to 2017. The 2020 report, based on data from Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, highlights risk factors like mental health issues, alienation, alcohol abuse, and a history of physical and sexual abuse.
The day also marked Navajo Department of Health Day, celebrating the health, well-being, and resilience of Diné people.
“We are here to remind you that you are special. You are unique. You are important. You are a Five-Fingered Holy Being,” said Sherylene Yazzie, executive director for the Navajo Department of Health. “You come from a long line of resilient warriors. You are Diné and we are happy that you are here with us today.”
