100 Parkway Drive, Window Rock AZ OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 86515 AND VICE PRESIDENT P.O. Box 7440, Window Rock AZ 86515 Phone: (928) 871-7000

AGENCY REPORT March 23, 2019

Prepared for: NORTHERN AGENCY COUNCIL FIRSTLY AHEE’HEE’

On behalf of the Administration, we look forward to building a positive and productive working relationship with each of the local governments for the benefi t of our people and the . Most importanly, we thank our people. Without you, we would not be in the position to lead our Nation and help our people today. We have met many people with unique perspectives who brought a wide variety of matters to our attention and the need for change. Thank you chapter offi cials and staff for taking the challenge of serving our people and your communities. I assure you that the Nez-Lizer Administration will work with you to create a better future fo all of our people. God Bless each of you, and God Bless our great Navajo Nation!

JONATHAN NEZ NAVAJO NATION PRESIDENT AGENCY REPORT

CONTENT

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY 4

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT 5

SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 5

NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM 6

DENNEHOTSO MARKET 6

AGRICULTURE INSURANCE INVESTMENT 7

NAVAJO GIRLS SCOUT VISIT 8

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION 8

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM 9

BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 10

UNITED VOICE AT THE ARIZONA CAPITOL 10

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVOCACY 11

MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN 12

NAVY SHIPS 12

POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATION 13

N.M. CAPITAL OUTLAY 14

ANIMAS AND SAN JUAN RIVERS 15

#BUYNAVAJO #BUYLOCAL 16

Office of the President and Vice President 3 NAVAJO NATION DECLARES EMERGENCY DUE TO WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS On Feb. 19, President Jonathan Nez and Vice The Office of the President and Vice President President Myron Lizer signed a declaration of emergency The EOC advise all chapters to submit all cost issued by the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency summaries relating to the 2019 Navajo Nation Winter Management due to severe winter weather conditions Storm operations to the Navajo Nation Department of on the Navajo Nation. The declaration allows for local/ Emergency Management Director Harland Cleveland at chapter funding to be used to assist those in need with [email protected] and Lavina Willie-Nez at supplies such as fire wood, food, and other resources in [email protected]. anticipation of the Nation receiving as much as 12-inches of snow. “Throughout the monoth, we encourage chapters to carefully assess local needs to ensure the efficient and effective use of emergency funds to help those that are truly in need,” said President Nez The 110 chapters are each required to have an emergency response plan to implement in situations such as adverse weather conditions. Many chapters also have Community Emergency Response Teams in place to help local community members. President Nez said that maintaining accurate documentation is essential to obtaining assistance through federal entities such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He noted that the Navajo Nation may be eligible for reimbursements through FEMA if damages exceed a $250,000 threshold, in accordance with the federal Stafford Act. On March 6, President Nez and Vice President Lizer met with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to advocate for the reimbursement of emergency funds for the Navajo Nation, resulting from the recent Declaration of Emergency due to recent heavy snowfall. Since the declararion, the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation deployed personnel to clear snow over 3,000 miles of roadways in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo, Apache, McKinley, San Juan (N.M.), and San Juan (Utah) County. The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources, and the Navajo Nation Divison of Public Safety have been working collaboratively to address the strom issues within the 110 communities. On March 13, approximately 60 chapters have declared a stand down due to the stabilization of the snow storm. However, the chapters were advised to continue to monitor, coordinate, and assist community members as needed during the stand down. “This has been a team effort and we communicated with counties, states, and other entities as well. The declaration was a step in the right direction in being proactive to mobilize resources ahead of time before more storms reach our communities,” added President Nez.

4 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. ADMINISTRATION THANKS ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR JOINING THE DEFENSE OF THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice finding ICWA unconstitutional would drastically impact President Myron Lizer commended Arizona Attorney the lives of American Indian children, including Navajo General Mark Brnovich for his recent announcement that children. Arizona is part of a bipartisan coalition of 19 states that Vice President Myron Lizer added that the Indian filed an amicus brief in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Child Welfare Act was enacted to protect the best interests to defend the Indian Child Welfare Act in Brakeen v. of American Indian children and to avoid displacement of Zinke. children from birth families and their tribes. In Oct. 2017, the state of Texas and a non-Indian The states of California, Alaska, Colorado, foster family in Texas filed a complaint, in federal district Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, court, which challenged the constitutionality of the act Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New and the 2016 ICWA regulations. The complaint was later Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and Washington are also amended to include the states of Louisiana and Indiana part of the coalition that filed the amicus brief in the Fifth and additional foster families in Nevada and Minnesota. Circuit Court. President Nez said the lower court’s decision

SENIOR CENTERS RECEIVE NEW TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY VANS President Jonathan Nez and officials from the menu consultation, and the new vehicles. Navajo Nation Division of Aging and Long-Term Care “Over the last several years, programs for elders Support celebrated the arrival of new transportation vans have been chronically underfunded and often bear the and food delivery vehicles for senior centers in Window brunt of any shortfall in funding. This was an opportunity Rock on Feb. 13. The vans will be delivered to the five to provide more funding for essential services like food Navajo agencies to help Navajo elders that benefit from and especially vans for our seniors to be safe and to have senior center services. reliable transportation and the ability to have access to President Nez said the gathering is the food and resources. It’s about working together with culmination of the collaborative efforts between the leadership to prioritize our elders,” said Delegate Crotty. Navajo Nation Department of Health, Division of The funds allowed the Nation to purchase 36 General Services, Division of Aging and Long-Term new vehicles, which are gradually being delivered to the Care Support, and the . He added central Fleet Management office where they will undergo that the new vans ensure that Navajo elders travel in safe inspections before being delivered to the five agencies and reliable transportation, and helps to provide meals to across the Navajo Nation. They will also receive food Navajo elders in their homes who are unable to travel to delivery vehicles, referred to as “hot shots,” that will senior centers. “Senior centers throughout the Nation provide door-to-door services and transportation to the senior centers for lunch, social gathering, or special events. Many of the existing vehicles have high mileage and in need of repairs,” said President Nez. “Our senior centers need these vans to provide effective services for our elderly population.” In April 2018, the 23rd Navajo Nation Council approved legislation sponsored by Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, which provided $2.8 million from the Navajo Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Division of Aging and Long-Term Care Support to fund needs assessments, equipment, food

Office of the President and Vice President 5 be used to deliver meals to elders at their homes – each resources and services for them,” added President Nez. vehicle can hold up to 150 cold and hot meals. He also noted that the Division of General “The Nez-Lizer Administration recognizes that Services will develop policy to ensure that senior centers our Navajo elders play an important role in our families receive vehicle repairs and new vehicles on a periodic and communities. They carry on the knowledge of our basis to ensure the continued safety of Navajo elders and way of life and they bring us joy and comfort within the availability of food delivery services. our families,so we must continue to provide adequate

SUPPORT OF NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM

President Jonathan Nez was joined by Vice President Myron Lizer on Jan. 31, as he provided testimony before the New Mexico Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee in support of Senate Bill 365 sponsored by State Sen. John Pinto (D-Dist. 3), which seeks an appropriation of $1 million from the state to assist with the design and construction of a Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veterans Center in the state of New Mexico. “The Navajo Code Talkers served courageously also passed a resolution supporting the funding request on in World War II in defense of the United States. It is behalf of the Navajo Nation. President Nez also presented only right that we honor and support them through this the committee members with a letter signed by him and appropriation. Many of our Code Talkers have passed on, Speaker Seth Damon outlining the position of the Nation. and it is important that this museum and veterans center Honorable Pernell Halona and Honorable Daniel be constructed to honor their memory,” said President Tso were also in attendance and spoke in support of the Nez. bill on behalf of the 24th Navajo Nation Council. He added that constructing a museum would The Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs inspire hope in many people by sharing and displaying Committee issued a do pass recommendation by a vote of the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers and teaching the 5-0 at the end of the testimony. Senate Bill 365 will also youth about the history of their contributions to the entire require consideration by the full House and Senate. country. On Oct. 11, 2018, the Navajo Nation Council

GRAND OPENING OF THE DENNEHOTSO MARKET Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer joined Dennehotso residents on Feb. 15, to celebrate the long-awaited completion of the Dennehotso Market during a grand opening ceremony. The new 6,700 square-foot facility houses a convenience store, gas station, deli, and laundromat located on the southeast corner of U.S. Hwy. 160 and Indian Route 6465. The $4.3 million project created 50 temporary construction jobs and an additional 20 permanent jobs with the opening of the new store, while providing goods and services to thousands of local Navajo residents, and many non-Navajo tourists that travel through the area each year. “Economic opportunity is a major part of the Buy Local’ throughout the Navajo Nation,” said President Nez-Lizer priorities, and that entails everything that this Nez. “Working together with the Dennehotso Chapter, the project represents – jobs for our people, generation of Navajo Nation Council, and the state of Arizona, we now revenue, and reinforcing the concept of ‘Buy Navajo, have this new establishment that will benefit many of our

6 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. people. development from the annual interest earned from the President Nez is also pleased to see the store principle. The expenditure plan provided $2.8 million. offering fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healthy Additionally, the Division of Economic foods and hopes to see the community collaborate by Development provided approximately $1.5 million from creating more opportunities for Navajo entrepreneurs the Sales Tax Fund and Project Development General such as allowing local farmers to sell their goods onsite as Fund for the remaining cost of the project. well. Vice President Lizer also spoke at the event “We should never underestimate the ingenuity and emphasized the importance of economic growth and and entrepreneurial spirit of our Diné people,” said development, job creation, and supporting businesses on President Nez. “We should always support them and the Navajo Nation. assist them in reaching their full potential because when “Economic development and ‘Buy Navajo, they succeed, our communities succeed as well.” Buy Local’ are top priorities for the administration. President Nez also thanked the stakeholders It’s wonderful to see this project flourish and provide who contributed to the project, including the Division of necessary products and services for our people. Working Economic Development, Dennehotso Chapter, local land with newly appointed director of the Division of users, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Navajo Nation Economic Development JT Willie, I’m sure we will see Division of Transportation, Arizona Department of many more of these types of projects come to fruition,” Transportation, and Indian Health Service. said Vice President Lizer. The market was partially funded through the Division of Economic Development Executive Permanent Trust Fund Income Five-Year Expenditure Director JT Willie said his team is undertaking the Plan approved by the 23rdNavajo Nation Council and the planning and development of more economic opportunity Office of the President and Vice President in 2016, which projects in many communities, while working closely allocated $150 million for economic development and with local governments, enterprises, and departments. agriculture development projects, and water infrastructure The market is now open to the public.

$9 MILLION SECOND-YEAR RETURN ON AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE INVESTMENT President Jonathan, Vice President Myron Lizer, present for the check presentation. and members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council gathered Speaker Damon thanked the previous 23rd on Feb. 3, to mark the successful second-year return of Navajo Nation Council for having the foresight to insure $9 million on agricultural insurance coverage for select the Navajo Nation during periods of time that the Navajo portions of the Navajo Nation based on rainfall levels. To Nation receives little to no rainfall resulting in drought date, the Navajo Nation has received approximately $45 conditions. He added that the current Council will work million overall from its initial investment. hard to implement projects that benefit many communities The Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture and people. applied for the insurance coverage through the U.S. In addition to the $9 million, the Nation also Department of Agriculture’s Pasture, Rangeland, Forage received $17 million in February and $1 million in July Insurance Program. In 2016, the 23rd Navajo Nation 2018. The Department of Agriculture has since developed Council adopted the Síhasin Fund Pasture Rangeland and a listing of agricultural projects that would benefit Forage Expenditure Plan, which reserved $20 million irrigation systems, windmills, livestock improvements, from the Nation’s Síhasin Fund for insurance premiums drought contingency plans, and others. to the USDA through CKP Insurance, LLC. “We see the potential of the funding that’s “We are very grateful for the moisture that our coming from this initiative. We are thankful to previous lands continue to receive, but we are also thankful that leaders for laying the foundation and now it’s in our hands this investment offers great opportunities for agricultural to work together to move these projects forward,” said production, land management, farming and irrigation, Vice President Lizer. grazing lands, drought contingency planning, and other Council Delegate Charlaine Tso said she intends initiatives that will benefit our communities,” said to advocate for funding for projects in the Navajo Utah President Nez. chapters that she represents including Mexican Water, Speaker Seth Damon and Council members Paul Aneth, Teecnospos, Tółikan, and Red Mesa. Begay, Kee Allen Begay, Jr., and Charlaine Tso were also

Office of the President and Vice President 7 FIRST LADY PHEFELIA HERBERT-NEZ VISITS NAVAJO GIRL SCOUTS First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez was invited by the Girl Scouts Troop 7314 on Feb. 8, to celebrates the troop’s “Project Bike Love” beneficiary ceremony at Indian Wells Elementary School, located approximately 75-miles west of Window Rock. Troop 7314 consists of 40 young Navajo girls who strive to build courage, confidence, and character within themselves and collectively. First Lady Herbert-Nez expressed her appreciation to Project Bike Love, a nonprofit organization, who donated 20-bikes and bike gear including jerseys, helmets, and shoes to the young ladies of Troop 7314. “I am honored to celebrate this day with the members. Volunteering also builds your confidence and young ladies, who deserve the recognition for their hard character, which will help you achieve your dreams and work and dedication. Today, they received fully equipped possibly change the Navajo Nation or the world,” said mountain bikes from Project Bike Love and I encourage First Lady Herbert-Nez. the young ladies to use those bikes to their full potential. First Lady thanked Troop 7314 leader Claudia The bikes will give each of you life-long health benefits,” Jackson and parent volunteers for the invitation to said First Lady Nez. celebrate a special day with the Troop. Project Bike Love, a nonprofit organization, is “Troop 7314 is doing a wonderful job and they committed to empowering women and girls around the share many of First Lady and Second Lady’s priorities world through the gift of a bike and supporting them in such as outdoor education and volunteerism. Second Lady their efforts to transform their families and communities Dottie Lizer and I have made family, health, education, in a positive way. and the youth a big priority,” added First Lady Herbert- First Lady Herbert-Nez also encouraged the Nez. troop members to continue practicing their leadership Girl Scouts Troop 7314 will utilize the bicycles skills at school, home, and within the community. for the “Girl Scouts Get Outdoors Challenge” in March “Volunteerism is a good start to practice your and the “Tour de Sih Hasin 300-miles Challenge Bike leadership skills and abilities. It is a way to show your Ride” in July. compassion to help your family, friends, and community

SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez and Second Nez. “It begins with the healing of our homes. We need to Lady Dottie Lizer attended the Domestic Violence bring our families back to the foundation of prayer, faith, Prevention Awareness and Fashion Show event on Feb. and empowerment.” 15, at the in Window Rock. The First Lady added that families and communities event was hosted by the Strengthening Family Program need to work and communicate collaboratively to promote under the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services, for healthy practices of discipline, nurturant, and compassion the purpose of offering and instilling hope, empowerment, within their homes. healing, and resilience for Diné women, children, and men Second Lady Lizer focused on the need to who are victims of various types of abuse and domestic advocate for more social workers, victim advocates, violence. support groups, counseling, and partnerships with “As Navajo women, mothers, and spouses officers and legal assistance providers. we must recognize and understand the challenges that “The Navajo Nation needs to improve strategies our Navajo families face every day. Many families and to respond to domestic violence because it affects our relationships within our communities experience severe society, especially our children. Children who witness physical and emotional abuse. Our goal is to put a stop family violence become traumatized, which can impact to the violence before it begins,” said First Lady Herbert- their education, and their physical and mental health.

8 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. Survivors of abuse also suffer the consequences of lost For more information regarding domestic financial support, and physical and mental health issues,” violence services and resources, please visit the said Second Lady Lizer. “Most importantly, we need to Strengthening Families Program’s website at: work to strengthen domestic violence provisions in our http://www.nndss.navajonsn.gov/DSSPrograms/ laws and prosecute offenders. Domestic violence has StrengtheningFamiliesProgram/SFPHome.aspx or call to be at the forefront of our issues in order to break the the crisis line at (505) 368-1157. cycle.”

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM RECEIVES NEW DELIVERY TRUCKS On March 4, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez presented the keys to four new delivery trucks to the Navajo Nation Food Distribution Program, which is a program that provides USDA foods to low-income households including many Navajo elderly people residing on the Navajo Nation. According to Program Manager Claudeen Tallwood, over 8,000 Navajo families receive assistance through the program each month. Tallwood and several other employees were at the Equipment and Fleet Maintenance Shop in Church Rock to greet the President and offer their appreciation for his support of a grant application that enabled the program to receive approximately $847,000 through the work.” USDA, which was used to purchase the four new trucks. Maintenance workers said some of the program’s “We are very thankful to President Nez for vehicles and equipment have been in use since the 1970’s, helping us with the application when he was Vice which require the program to spend a large portion of their President and we are happy to have four new delivery funds for maintenance and repairs to keep the equipment vehicles as a result,” said Tallwood. in operation. Tallwood said she continues looking into The four new delivery trucks will join a fleet other grants through the USDA that might provide of existing vehicles used to transport food from six additional benefits and assistance to Navajo families and warehouses located on the Navajo Nation to chapter to their program. houses, where low-income families receive the food “We don’t always hear about the good work that products. The warehouses are located in the communities our Navajo people are doing, so it’s great to know that this of Fort Defiance, Teecnospos, Crownpoint, Leupp, particular program is benefitting thousands of our people. Mexican Springs, and Kirtland. The Nez-Lizer Administration is dedicated to supporting “As a kid, I remember eating commodity cheese these types of programs and their employees,” added and many of the other food products that we received President Nez. through the Food Distribution Program. To this day, the program continues to help many of our families across the Nation,” stated President Nez. “I congratulate the program’s employees and I thank them for their hard

Office of the President and Vice President 9 SUPPORTING NAVAJO NATION DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES On March 4, President Jonathan Nez visited Thank you to the employees of the Division of Behavioral staff from the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and and Mental Health Services! Mental Health Services to offer some encouraging words to the hard working employees. The Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services is responsible for helping our Navajo people heal from many issues such as alcohol and substance abuse. “We owe a great deal of gratitude to these employees, who go to work everyday and deal with very difficult situations. They see firsthand the impacts and hardships that our people live with on a daily basis and they do their best to help those in need. Their jobs are very challenging and it takes its toll on them as well,” said President Nez The Nation is fortunate to have professional , who provide needed assistance to our people.

UNITED VOICE AT THE ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL On March 5, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer held a series of meetings with state legislators at the Arizona State Capitol, to speak in support of several bills that are being considered during the ongoing legislative session. They were joined by Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council Seth Damon as they met with President Karen Fann, Speaker of the House , State Rep. , State Rep. Rob Thorpe, State Rep. , and State Sen. Sonny Borrelli. “Through the Office of the President and Vice President, we have issued many support letters for bills that benefit the Navajo Nation, but it’s also important that we meet with the legislators to have a positive face-to- face dialogue so that our positions on issues are clear,” the community of . This week, the current center said President Nez. was forced to close due to dilapidated conditions that They spoke in support of S.B. 1266 and H.B. made it unsafe for workers and inmates. 2663, which seek to provide $2 million to assist Diné “With the recent closure in Shiprock, it definitely College in providing remedial education for Navajo creates additional challenges for our police officers and students at the college’s campuses in Arizona. Judicial Branch employees so we need to work hard to President Nez and Vice President Lizer also resolve the issues. Considering the current state of the requested the legislators to advocate for funding during economy, there may be a surplus at the state level that the state budgetary process for funds to assist the Navajo may allow the state legislators to secure more funding for Nation in developing new justice centers that would the Navajo Nation,” stated Vice President Lizer. benefit public safety and the Navajo Nation Judicial The leaders also met with Sen. Sonny Borrelli Branch. who is the sponsor of S.B. 1163, which is a bill that seeks In February, President Nez and the 24th Navajo to allow tribes to conduct sports betting in the state of Nation Council signed a joint letter requesting the state of Arizona as a means to creating more gaming revenue New Mexico to allocate funds for a new justice center in for tribes and the state. President Nez said he is aware

10 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. of concerns from other tribes and that there is a need to Nation. clarify the intent and benefits of the initiative with other “The Navajo Nation has great financial interests tribes and the Office of the Governor. throughout the state. By working together and creating President Nez also met with Arizona State partnerships with the Office of the State Treasurer through Treasurer Kimberly Yee, and the office’s team of investors the leadership of State Treasurer Yee, we can examine that oversees the state’s financial portfolio. The two the possibilities and hopefully accomplish great things,” agreed that they would meet again to discuss potential added President Nez. partnerships that might benefit the state and the Navajo

PRESIDENT NEZ BRINGS PUBLIC SAFETY ADVOCACY TO CONGRESS Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was “Gathering and analyzing criminal evidence joined by Vice President Myron Lizer as he testified is also difficult. We have no funding to hire medical before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the examiners. Deceased individuals are transported long Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies on March 7, distances to state autopsy facilities. Evidence for federal regarding the Navajo Nation’s fiscal 2020 priorities for crimes are submitted to the federal crime lab, but there public safety. is no lab facility for a case that is purely under Navajo “I thank this subcommittee for working on a jurisdiction,” President Nez added. bipartisan basis to increase funding for Indian programs. The Navajo Nation currently operates six Adult For the Navajo Nation, it’s important that we work Detention Facilities with 345 beds and four juvenile together with all both parties to advance the issues that detention facilities with 98 beds. are important for our Navajo people,” President Nez said. “Our judges handle about 50,000 to 52,000 cases President Nez indicated that public safety is per year. We also have only 14 prosecutors to handle all one of the Nez-Lizer administration’s top priorities. these cases. In fiscal 2018, the prosecutors received about “Every year, we request funding increases and, even 17,000 cases, double from the prior fiscal year. There with the small, incremental improvements, it does not are no advocates to support victims of crime. We would meet the demands,” President Nez said. “The Navajo also like to update our courthouses where these cases are Nation estimates that it would take at least $74 million heard,” President Nez said. “The federal government has a in additional funding per year to ensure proper law responsibility under the Navajo Treaty of 1868 and a trust enforcement and judicial services.” obligation, to protect and assist the Nation in securing and According to the Navajo Nation Division of developing our people, land, and resources.” Public Safety, 44-percent of calls to DPS involved violent Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Office crimes from 2010 to 2016. In 2018, the Navajo Police Executive Director Robert K. Black, Jr. also provided Department responded to over 248,000 service calls with testimony at the hearing in support of the continuation approximately 27,000 arrests. of the Navajo-Hopi Indian Relocation Office to assist In responding to criminal activity, there are residents who were relocated due to the Bennett Freeze fewer than 205 patrol officers, 27 criminal investigators, imposed by the federal government. and four internal investigators for the entire Navajo reservation. The Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations responds to approximately 30 to 50 homicides per year, which represents a rate that is about four times the national average. “With about 174,000 people on the Navajo Nation, we have 13.4 patrol officers per 10,000 citizens, which is less than the national average of 24 officers per 10,000. We would have to hire 115 more patrol officers and 30 more criminal investigators to close the gap,” President Nez said. The deficit in police officers and the vast travel distances increases response times for the officers, allowing more perpetrators to commit and evade crimes on the Navajo Nation.

Office of the President and Vice President 11 FIRST LADY AND SECOND LADY SUPPORT ARIZONA BILL TO CREATE THE FIRST STUDY COMMITTEE ON MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Nez and Second Lady Dottie Lizer visited the Arizona House of Representatives to offer their support of H.B. 2570 on March 11, which would create the first study committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in the state of Arizona. The bill was introduced by Arizona Rep. Jennifer Jermaine (LD-18) to determine how to reduce and end violence against Indigenous women and girls in the state. First Lady Nez and Second Lady Lizer stated that the bill is fully supported by the Nez-Lizer Administration as a step to protecting all Indigenous women, including Navajo women and girls, and to shed light on cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women. “Our Native women are the center of our including poor data collection, lack of prosecution, and societies and they offer nurturement, comfort, and love. the lack of coordination with law enforcement. With the However, an alarming number of Native women and girls passage of H.B. 2570, we are hopeful that we can work disappear or fall victim to murder each year. Our Native together to advocate and secure resources and funding to women are murdered at a higher rate than the national address this devastating issue,” said Second Lady Lizer. average and more likely to experience violent crimes, According to the bill, upon completion of the rape, and sexual assault,” said First Lady Nez. “This bill study, the committee would propose measures to ensure could help address the absence of studies on the issue and access to culturally appropriate victim services for to gain a true understanding of the problem.” Indigenous women and girls who have been victims of If approved, the study committee would establish violence. The committee will also submit a report with methods for tracking and collecting data on violence policy recommendations to address the issues identified against Indigenous women and girls. Furthermore, the in the study. committee would review policies, practices, prosecutorial The Arizona House of Representatives passed practices, and barriers to track violent crimes committed H.B. 2570 with a unanimous vote of 60-0. The bill will be against Indigenous women and girls. considered by the full Senate next. “A number of factors contribute to the problem

NAVAJO NATION ANNOUNCES NEW CLASS OF NAVY SHIPS The Navajo Nation proudly announces that over the years.” Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has named the “The Navajo people have fought and served our new class of U.S. Navy Towing, Salvage, and Rescue armed forces with honor and valor in nearly all major ships Navajo. The class is named in honor of the Navajo conflicts since the birth of our nation, so it is fitting and people’s storied contributions to the American military, right to name a new class of ship in their honor,” said who have served in the armed forces for decades at a Secretary Spencer. “The Navajo class of Towing, Salvage, higher degree than the national participation rate. and Rescue ships will serve our nation and continue the “Throughout our history, the Diné people have legacy of the Navajo people, and all Native Americans.” always been the caretakers and protectors of our land in During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers, Marines every branch of the armed services so we are very grateful Corps service members under the Department of the that our people are being recognized through this historic Navy, fought in the Pacific Theater transmitting top secret announcement from the Navy,” said Navajo Nation messages. By the war’s end, over 400 Code Talkers were President Jonathan Nez. “I also want to thank all of the trained for this essential service. past leaders who advocated and supported this initiative In the invasion of Iwo Jima alone, Code Talkers

12 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. sent over 800 messages without error. Major Howard Connor, who was the Code Talkers’ signal officer at Iwo Jima, said, “Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.” The new class of vessels will be based on existing commercial towing offshore vessel designs and will replace the current T-ATF 166 and T-ARS 50 class ships. The first ship of this class will be named USNS Navajo and designated T-ATS 6. Each additional ship in the class will be named in honor of prominent Native Americans or Native American tribes. The late Senator John McCain (AZ), who retired from the Navy with the rank of captain, strongly supported the effort to name the ship class in honor of the Former Navajo Nation Council Speaker Navajo People. LoRenzo Bates coordinated the naming project during “John worked hard to ensure the Navajo Nation’s his speaker administration. He passed on the project to contributions to our security and culture were recognized current Navajo Nation Council Speaker Seth Damon by the U.S. Navy in the manner in which it traditionally (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, , Tsé Lichíí’, Rock pays tribute to important American communities. I’m so Springs, Tsayatoh) when he assumed office. pleased, and I know John would be very gratified, that “I extend a strong ahéhee’to the efforts of the Navy has now officially named a United States Naval Secretary Spencer and the late Senator McCain to advance Ship Navajo, a deserved and overdue honor,” Cindy this effort. Our Navajo people, including several council McCain, the late Senator McCain’s wife of 38 years, said delegates, have a strong tradition of defense of this land. in statement. I would also like to recognize the current Navajo service After Senator McCain’s passing, Senator Martha members around the world protecting freedom and McSally (AZ) carried forward the effort in coordination delivering humanitarian aid,” said Speaker Damon. with the Navy. Gulf Island Shipyards was awarded $63.5 “The Navajo People have an incredibly rich million contract for the detail design and construction of legacy of military service and deserve to have a class the T-ATS. The T-ATS will serve as open ocean towing of U.S. Navy ships named in their honor. Arizonans are vessels and will additionally support salvage operations proud of this recognition of the Navajo Nation which was and submarine rescue missions. The first ship in the fought for and secured by Senator McCain. This is yet class will be built at the company’s shipyard in Houma, another example of how his legacy will live on,” Senator Louisiana and is expected to be completed in March 2021. McSally said in a statement.

NAVAJO POLICE TRAINING ACADEMY CLASS 53 GRADUATION CEREMONY President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer attended the Navajo Police Training Academy Class 53 graduation ceremony in support of 16 young and determined Navajo Police Officer recruits, who received their Navajo Nation police badge on Feb. 22, at Chinle Community Center in Chinle, Ariz. Each of the 16 officers successfully completed the 26-week police academy training, which was overseen by the Navajo Police Department. The Navajo Police Academy, located in Chinle, prepares recruits for careers in law enforcement under professionalism. The graduates of Class 53 completed an environment that upholds respect, self-discipline, challenging trainings in academics, physical and mental accountability, academic achievement, integrity, and conditioning, communications, firearms, and others.

Office of the President and Vice President 13 In a show of support for the offi cers, President They will need our endless support and love. Let’s work Nez and Vice President Lizer joined the recruits on together and be there for them as a relative, neighbor, and Thursday for the group’s fi nal police academy run through friend,” said Vice President Lizer. the community of Chinle. The 16 police offi cer recruits took the oath of “We congratulate and commend the Navajo honor while their loved ones participated in the pinning Nation Division of Public Safety and the Navajo Police of the Navajo Police Department badge. The 16 Navajo Department for supporting the new offi cers. It will be Nation recruits include: physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging for the • Juliowna D. Begay, Chinle Police District new offi cers and their loved ones. However, through prayer • Terrence C. Benally, Shiprock Police District and the support of their families I am confi dent they will • Shawna A. Watchman, Window Rock Police District serve and protect our communities well,” said President • Dwayne P. Hogue, Crownpoint Police District Nez. “Our young offi cers have the opportunity to restore • Aaron M. Long, Window Rock Police District respect and trust of authority within our communities • Adrian L. Wauneka, Window Rock Police District through compassion, patience, and discipline.” • Albert Calamity, Jr., Crownpoint Police District Class 53 is the second group of recruits to • Paige K. Begay, Kayenta Police District graduate from the newly established Navajo Police • Kolby L. Bagey, Kayenta Police District Training Academy within the last two years. The academy • Derick H. Toadlena, Chinle Police District integrates Diné Fundamental Law, as well as state and • Danielle K. Murdock, Shiprock Police District federal laws into the training curriculum. Additionally, the • Joseph J. Locaspino, Window Rock Police District police offi cers also earned their federal police commission • Christopher D. Cohoe, Crownpoint Police District by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the • Dwyatt C. Holiday, Kayenta Police District Indian Police Academy and received 24 college credits • Leah M. Hatathlie, Tuba City Police District from Navajo Technical University. • Joshua F. Martinez Najera, Tuba City Police District “Our new offi cers are entering into a new world The 16 police offi cers will start their duty as of challenges and opportunities. I challenge everyone to Navajo police offi cers within their designated districts pray for our offi cers and fi rst responders. They witness immediately. incidents that some of us cannot bear to see or to think of.

NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE APPROVES CAPITAL OUTLAY FUNDS Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice projects and we will continue to respectfully request her President Myron Lizer commend and thank the members support for all of the funds that were approved by the of the New Mexico House and Senate for their support legislature,” stated Vice President Lizer. of S.B. 280, which provides over $28 million in Capital The project listing for the Navajo Nation includes Outlay Funds for Navajo communities in the state of New the following: Mexico. “On behalf of the Navajo people, we offer our appreciation and gratitude to the members of the New Mexico State Legislature for supporting these much- needed infrastructure development projects to help our communities,” said President Nez. “This represents one of the largest investments of Capital Outlay Funds for the Navajo Nation in recent history.” The bill, which provides over $933 million across the entire state for various projects, was approved by Senate members on Wednesday by a vote of 37-2, and by the House on Thursday with a 68-0 vote. The bill now goes to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for consideration. “President Nez and I have had the honor of meeting with Governor Lujan Grisham on several occasions, along with our members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, to explain the importance of these

14 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. NAVAJO NATION CAUTIONS WATER USERS ALONG THE ANIMAS AND SAN JUAN RIVERS Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is urging According to reports, the failure of the treatment water users along the Animas and San Juan Rivers to facility was due to heavy snowfall that lead to a power be cautious due to the recent failure of the Gladstone outage on Thursday. Since then, the Navajo Nation wastewater treatment facility in Colorado, which is used Environmental Protection Agency has been coordinating to treat drainage from the Gold King Mine. On March with the U.S. EPA and Utah Division of Water Quality to 16, the U.S. EPA reported that work crews were able to assess any potential dangers to water users. restore power at the facility and that the facility is now “Although initial reports indicate that there is no operating normally. immediate threat to water users in Navajo communities

Offi ce of the President and Vice President 15 along the San Juan River, we encourage our people to of the 24th Navajo Nation Council to provide updates on be cautious and to stay alert until we are fully assured the status of the situation. that the water is safe for the long-term,” stated President “I appreciate the immediate response by Navajo Nez. “Our divisions and departments will remain on alert Nation, state, and federal partners. At this time, it is and continue to closely monitor the situation and provide important to note that Navajo, federal, and state experts information to the public.” do not anticipate a threat to communities along the San The Navajo Water Management Branch reported Juan River or Navajo farmers and ranchers. The Council that no irrigation systems along the San Juan River are will work with the appropriate water and environmental currently in use and that water intake systems will not be authorities to monitor water and sediment levels,” stated opened until the quality and safety of the water is assessed Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council Seth Damon. and there is complete assurance of the safety of the water. The Navajo Nation will continue monitoring The Navajo Nation EPA will be collecting and testing the situation and informing the public through radio water samples to ensure the safety of water. announcements and other media outlets. On March 16, a conference call was held between various Executive Branch agencies and members

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT (928) 871-7000

16 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn.