At the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Week, hosted by UNM Gallup, I was honored to be the keynote speaker, sharing how workforce development efforts across the Navajo Nation complement regional and state initiatives.
Like many of our people seeking employment, workforce development played a vital role in my own life. I remember working as a janitor under the Navajo Department of Workforce Development as a teenager, taking pride in earning my own income.
Workforce development builds skills and creates opportunities—fundamental to economic growth. Without human labor, there is no economy. Hearing Secretary Sarita Nair of New Mexico’s Department of Workforce Solutions discuss skill training programs reminded me how our tribal efforts meet our community’s needs.
Reycita Toddy, Navajo Division of Human Resources Director, and Orlanda Wauneka, NNWD Program Manager, shared updates on a wage study aimed at ensuring competitive salaries for tribal employees.
I also announced the launch of the Navajo Nation Workforce Transformation Initiative and the K’oo Naanish Hóló jobs board. This innovative platform connects job seekers with regional opportunities, saving hours of travel and making employment more accessible.
Our local colleges—Navajo Technical University and Diné College—are developing certificate programs aligned with Navajo Division of Personnel Management positions, preparing students for real-world success.
Together, with initiatives like these, we are creating jobs and building human capital. The Nygren Administration is committed to making this vision a reality.
– Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
