Office of the President and Vice President INAUGURAL NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2019 FIRST EDITION

IN THIS ISSUE

Inauguration Day Page 2 Advocacy for the People at the State Capitol Page 3 Proclamation in honor of the late Navajo Code Taker Alfred K. Newman Page 3 Offi ce of the President and Vice President 100 Parkway Meeting with Congressman Tom O’Halleran Page 4 Post Offi ce Box 3440 Window Rock, Arizona 86515 President and Vice President call for an end to the government shutdown Page 4 Phone (928) 871-7000 Fax (928) 871-4025

Honoring the Life of Milton Bluehouse, Sr. Page 5 For the latest news from the Office of the President and Vice President, 2019 Inauguration Picture Highlights Page 6/7 please visit www.nez-lizer.com Food Drive Flyer Page 8 email [email protected] or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

1 President and Vice President officially take office

Joined by their families and thousands of Diné • Division of Community Development Dr. Pearl Yel- citizens during an Inauguration Ceremony held on lowman Tuesday, Jan. 15, Jonathan Nez officially became the • Division of Transportation Executive Director Gar- youngest Navajo Nation President as he and new Vice ret Silversmith President Myron Lizer were administered the oath of • Division of Economic Development Executive Di- office to assume the Navajo Nation Office of the Presi- rector JT Willie dent and Vice President. • Division of Public Safety Executive Director Jesse Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez Delmar and Second Lady Dottie Lizer stood at their side, as • Navajo Nation Washington Office Executive Direc- Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnne B. Jayne admin- tor Santee Lewis istered the oath of office at noon at the Bee Hółdzil • Division of General Services Executive Director Lo- Fights Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona. mardo Aseret In his inaugural address, President Jonathan • Division of Human Resources Executive Director Dr. Nez focused on Unity, Hope, and Resilience for the Na- Perphelia Fowler vajo people, individually and collectively. He also ad- • Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency dressed the need for positive change within the Navajo Executive Director Oliver Whaley government. • Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Office Executive “Our team ran a grassroots campaign in which Director Robert K. Black, Jr. towns and commit to staying home and deliberately we welcomed and embraced our people from every • Department of Veterans Affairs John King making all purchases locally!” corner of our great Nation and beyond. We met many • Division of Natural Resources Executive Director First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez and Second people with unique perspectives who brought a wide Dr. Rudy R. Shebala Lady Dottie Lizer also addressed the audience. The variety of matters to our attention, but it was appar- First Lady delivered a passionate address in which she ent that they had one common notion in mind when it “We set out to have our team in place by Inau- encouraged Navajo families to show compassion for came to our Nation’s leadership and our Nation’s gov- guration Day. Today, we are proud to announce that we one another and for parents to love their children, and ernment – the need for change. I believe that’s why we have our team in place, and that we are ready to get to to strengthen their families through prayer. see so many new faces among the leaders who took work to bring change to the Navajo Nation!” President “Prayer has the power to clear obstacles, to the oath of office with us today,” said President Nez. Nez stated. change us, to protect us, and to give us breakthroughs He also called for the Navajo Nation govern- Vice President Myron Lizer focused on support- in our lives. As a parent, I encourage all parents to pray ment to be more fiscally responsible, especially when ing small business development and Navajo entrepre- with their children. Let your children see that it’s a time the Nation may face a sizeable decrease in annual rev- neurs who are aspiring to become business owners. to spend time with God,” said First Lady Phefelia Her- enue in the coming months. In addition, he said that “As a business person, I want to help our Diné bert-Nez. working together, the Nation can move in a positive entrepreneurs who are working hard to create econom- Second Lady Dottie Lizer also emphasized the direction if we also focus on making positive changes ic opportunities through their own ingenuity, creativity, importance of family, while also focusing on issues im- as individuals. and dedication. Historically, our people have proven to pacting Native American women and called for the re- “Change presents opportunity – the oppor- be self-sufficient and self-sustaining and today, many authorization of the Violence Against Women Act by tunity to work together to strengthen and empower of our young Navajo people are striving to carry that Congress. ourselves as individuals and as communities. Along the forward by developing businesses and by testing the “The issue of domestic violence and violence way, we talked with many elderly, youth, single parents, limits of their potential. As Vice President, I will make it against women needs to be addressed. By taking a working families, students, and many others seeking the a priority to help our small business owners and entre- stand, the victims, survivors, their children, families, change that we all deserve and desire,” added Presi- preneurs,” stated Vice President Lizer. friends, and communities can heal and our Diné society dent Nez. “What I saw was hope. Despite the many He also put forth a challenge to the Navajo would have the capability to break the cycle,” she stat- challenges we face, our people still have hope – a hope people to commit to buying locally during the week of ed. for a better tomorrow for all of us as Diné people!” Navajo Sovereignty Day in the month of April. Following the Inauguration ceremony, Presi- President Nez used part of his Inaugural Ad- “I am a strong advocate for “Buy Navajo, Buy dent Nez and Vice President Lizer met with key cabinet dress to recognize cabinet members for the Nez-Liz- Local.” The Navajo people are an economic giant. We members to begin implementing a path forward for the er Administration who were seated in the audience. are an economic force when you look at the amount Navajo Nation. Among the new and returning appointees in atten- of dollars that we pour into border towns outside of The Nez-Lizer Administration also congrat- dance included the following: the Navajo Nation. We need to change that mindset ulates members of the 24th , and support our Navajo entrepreneurs!” stated Vice Navajo Nation Board of Education, Navajo Board of • Chief of Staff Paulson Chaco President Lizer. “Come the week of April 22nd, as our Election Supervisors, and Kayenta Township Commis- • Attorney General Doreen Nanibaa McPaul Nation recognizes Navajo Sovereignty Day, let us all be sioners who were also sworn-in to office. • Department of Health Executive Director Dr. Jill Jim challenged to resist the long trips to our nearest border

2 Advocacy for the Navajo People at the Arizona State Capitol

On their first full day in office, Navajo Nation the new administration. help small business owners on the Navajo Nation,” President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron “We all know that water is life. Water is essen- added Vice President Lizer. Lizer were joined by First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez, tial for everything in our daily lives and it’s important The Nation’s new leaders were also part of as they attended the 24th Annual Indian Nations and that the Navajo Nation have a seat at the table when the ceremony held during a joint session in the Senate Tribes Legislative Day at the Arizona State Capitol on Arizona water allocations are being discussed at any building, which brought together many tribal leaders Wednesday. level of government,” stated President Nez. from across the state to address issues important to all Major discussion items with state legislators in- Vice President Lizer said infrastructure devel- tribes. cluded the need for water rights for the Navajo Nation. opment is vital for every part of Navajo Nation in order President Nez and Vice President Lizer were During his inaugural address on Jan. 7, Arizona Gover- to development community housing, to create small each recognized during the joint session at the 24th nor Doug Ducey emphasized the need for the state of businesses, and other initiatives. He offered his coop- Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day. They Arizona to secure water as soon as possible. eration to partner with state leaders to help Navajo en- congratulated new Navajo state leaders Representa- During several meetings with State Legislators, trepreneurs through grants and other avenues. tive Arlando Teller, Representative Myron Tsosie, and President Nez and Vice President Lizer said securing “I am a big supporter of ‘Buy Navajo, Buy Lo- returning Senator Jamescita Peshlakai as well. water rights for the Navajo people is a top priority for cal’ and we’re going to push that notion in order to

Proclamation in honor of the late Navajo Code Talker Alfred K. Newman

On their second full day in office on Jan. 17, Wood People Clan). He was born on July 21, 1924, their sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice Pres- at Rehoboth Hospital in Gallup, N.M. and resided in comrades, and community members during a funeral ident Myron Lizer issued a proclamation honoring and Kirtland, N.M. He passed away at Bloomfield Nursing service held on Jan. 19 in Farmington, N.M. They also recognizing the late Navajo Code Talker Alfred K. New- Home in Bloomfield, N.M. presented the wife of the Code Talker with the signed man who passed away on Jan. 13 at the age of 94. Newman served in the U.S. Marine Corps as proclamation and a Navajo Nation flag in his honor. The proclamation declares that all flags on the Navajo a Navajo Code Talker in the 1st Battalion, 21st Marine “Newman paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect Nation shall be flown at half-staff on Jan. 19, 2019, to Regiment, and 3rd Division from 1943 to 1945, and was the Navajo Nation and the United States. I could not honor his service. honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal and lat- imagine what his family went through during and after “The Navajo Nation is saddened by the pass- er awarded the Congressional Silver Medal of Honor. his service. He was a man of faith and worked hard to ing of a Diné warrior. His service and dedication as a His tour of duty included Bougainville Island, Guam, provide for his family. We offer our prayers for strength Navajo Code Talker will forever be remembered and Iwo Jima, Kwajalein Atoll, Enewetak Atoll, New Geor- and comfort,” said Vice President Lizer. cherished. The Nation is truly grateful for Code Talker gia, and New Caledonia. Newman is survived by his wife Betsy E. New- Newman’s sacrifices and those of his family, to defend Following his service, he returned home and man, whom he was married to for 69-years. Together the freedom and liberty of our country,” said President continued to serve our country as an ammunition in- they have five children, 13 grandchildren, and three Nez. spector at Fort Wingate and retired from a coal mining great-grandchildren. Code Talker Newman was Naaneesht’ézhi company after 25-years of service. Dine’é (Zuni Clan) and born for Tsi’naajínii (Black Streak President Nez and Vice President Lizer offered

3 Meeting with Congressman Tom O’Halleran

On Friday, Jan. 18 President Jonathan Nez and state of Arizona, agriculture projects, infrastructure the Violence Against Women Act, the Navajo Utah Wa- Vice President Myron Lizer met with Congressman Tom development, and several other important issues that ter Rights Settlement Act, and others that need to be O’Halleran, who represents the Navajo Nation in the require the partnership of the Navajo Nation and Con- voted on and moved forward.” U.S. House of Representatives, to discuss federal issues gressional leaders to address. This evening, Congressman O’Halleran will that impact the Navajo Nation including the ongoing “We look forward to continuing to working host a town hall at the St. Michaels Chapter from 5:30- partial federal shutdown. The meeting marked the first closely with Congressman O’Halleran and his staff to 6:30 p.m. Please come out and let your concerns be time that the Congressman met with the new leaders of continue advancing the issues of the Navajo Nation in heard! Ahe’hee’ the Navajo Nation. Congress and the Senate,” said President Nez. “We Other subjects included water rights in the have a lot of issues including the need to reauthorize

President and Vice President call for an end to the government shutdown Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and maintaining 1,600 miles of paved roads and nearly been furloughed and we commend those that continue Vice President Myron Lizer are called on President 6,000 miles of dirt roads on Navajo Nation. The shut- their work not knowing when they will receive their next Trump and Congress to end the partial government down occurred during a period of inclement weather, paycheck.” shutdown and allow funding of tribal programs to con- and limited staff from the BIA was available to clear the On Friday, President Nez and Vice President tinue as the longest federal government shutdown in roads during several recent snowstorms. As a result, the Lizer met with the Office of the Controller, Office of history continues. Navajo Nation Division of Transportation had to clear Management and Budget, and other officials to receive “President Trump and Congress, the govern- roads that the BIA could not cover. an update on potential impacts to the Navajo Nation. ment shutdown needs to end immediately,” President Tribally controlled schools and Bureau of Indian “We will work diligently to prevent any detri- Nez said. “The shutdown is impacting our Navajo citi- Education operated schools are not directly impacted mental effects to our programs and our Navajo citizens. zens. The federal government has a trust obligation to by the shutdown because they received forward fund- We will continually assess the impact of the shutdown provide services to the Navajo Nation and other Indian ing. However, the BIE operated schools rely on BIE staff and the ability to access essential federal funds,” Presi- tribes, such as healthcare, education, and public safety. for certain administrative services, such as human re- dent Nez said. Our Nation also signed a treaty with the United States sources and technical assistance. The Office of the President and Vice President obligating the federal government to provide those The Navajo Nation operates many of the fed- is initiating a donation drive to help provide basic ne- services. Continuing the shutdown is a breach of trust eral programs on the Nation through 638 contracts and cessities for furloughed employees. Please see the and our treaty.” these programs can continue operation through the back page for more details. Some of the medical personnel working at use of carry-over funding. However, these funds will hospitals on the Navajo Nation are contracted Indian eventually deplete if the shutdown continues. Health Service employees, who are being impacted by “There are many Navajo people who also work the partial shutdown. for the federal government,” Vice President Lizer said. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is responsible for “Our prayers are with those federal workers who have

4 Honoring the Life of Milton Bluehouse, Sr.

On Thursday, Jan. 17, President Jonathan Nez served as Navajo Nation President on an interim basis strongly believed that we should always uphold our and Vice President Myron Lizer attended the funeral in 1998. sovereign status as a Nation. service for Milton Bluehouse, Sr., former Council Del- “We join our Navajo people in mourning the President Nez and Vice President Lizer pre- egate and former interim President, who passed away loss of our great leader, the Honorable Milton Blue- sented a proclamation and Navajo Nation flag to the on the morning of Jan. 14 at the age of 82. house, Sr. We offer our thoughts and prayers to his family during the service on Jan. 17. Bluehouse is Tł’ízí łaní (Many Goats Clan) and wife Irma, their children, and the rest of their loved born for Honágháahnii (One-Walks-Around Clan). He ones,” said President Nez. was originally from Ganado, Arizona and served two Among all of his great accomplishments was terms as a member of the Navajo Nation Council, and his never-ending support for Navajo sovereignty. He

5 Picture Highlights of the 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration

PHOTO (above): Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and First Lady Phefelia Her- PHOTO (above): Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer and Second Lady Dottie Lizer bert-Nez during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defi- during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. ance, Ariz.

PHOTO (left to right): Second Lady Dottie Lizer, Vice President Myron Lizer, First Lady PHOTO (above): President Jonathan Nez and First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez during the Phefelia Herbert-Nez, and President Jonathan Nez during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inau- 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. guration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz.

PHOTO (above): Vice President Myron Lizer, Second Lady Dottie Lizer, and Council Del- PHOTO (above): 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration at Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events egate Raymond Smith, Jr. during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration on January 15, Center in Ft. Defiance, Ariz on January 15, 2019. 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz.

6 Picture Highlights of the 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration

PHOTO (above): Second Lady Dottie Lizer during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration on PHOTO (above): First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inaugura- January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. tion on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz.

PHOTO (left to right): Hátáálíí Ericke Lewis Willie, Mistress of Ceremonies L.A. Williams, PHOTO (left to right): 24th Navajo Nation Council take Oath of Office during the 2019 Na- Kayenta Township Commissioner Chris Kescoli, and Pastor Leroy Thinn of White Post vajo Nation Inauguration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. Covenant Church during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inauguration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz.

PHOTO (above): Pastor Robert Tso of Victory Life Church bless Navajo Nation President PHOTO (above): Nation President Jonathan Nez addresses the public during the 2019 Jonathan Nez and First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez during the 2019 Navajo Nation Inau- Navajo Nation Inauguration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. guration on January 15, 2019 in Ft. Defiance, Ariz.

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