Council Newsletter 1

2008 3rd Quarter Indian Country to get $2 billion for Public Safety and Water Projects Years of ongoing billion — $1 billion for T h e p u b l i c s a f e t y “We consistently demon- Virginia, yet there are only of the Navajo Department of public safety, $1 billion for committee has spent the last strated a compelling case 59 jail beds across the Nation. Corrections. “This is great testimonials by drinking water — for Indians several years meeting with about our need for new facili- Because of scarce facilities, news for the correctional on reservations,” Sen. Kyl members of Congress, the ties,” said MacDonald-Lone it is common for inmates to officers, the police officers tribal leaders said. “Is that too much to White House and Justice Tree. MacDonald-Lonetree serve only a portion of their and all the people on the finally pay-off ask? Out of $50 billion we Department to ensure they said the allocated money will sentence, or not at all. Navajo Nation.” take $2 billion and authorize recognize the great need for help to stop the revolving “Criminals on the Navajo Tribal leaders said they JULY 16, 2008 programs for public safety public safety improvements door of violent offenders. Nation have received a will work to ensure the and water development on in Indian Country. They The Navajo Nation has ‘get out of jail free’ card final conference report WASHINGTON — For Indian reservations?” have provided consistent a population of more than because of the lack of includes vital funding for years, officials with the The money will address messages of the crisis in law 300,000 and is the same detention facilities,” said the construction of detention Navajo Nation have pleaded needs in public safety with enforcement. size as the state of West Delores Greyeyes, director facilities. ■ with officials in Washington, money allocated towards D.C. to increase funding various entities and programs, for public safety in Indian such as tribal courts, tribal Country. Those pleas were police, the Department of finally heard. Justice and construction. The public safety committee Rex Lee Jim (Rock Point), was both relieved and chairman of the Public Safety thrilled when the U.S. Senate Committee, was ecstatic adopted an amendment to when he received the news. provide Native American “The Navajo Nation extends communities with $2 billion its greatest appreciation to for public safety and water Senator Kyl and the U.S. projects. The amendment Senate for recognizing the was made to a bill titled the enormous need for funding in Kyl-Thune Amendment, Indian Country — especially which was passed by the U.S. for public safety,” said Jim. Senate on July 16. It states $1 Tribal leaders who have billion will go towards law made public safety a priority enforcement and improved for Indian Country were health care, with another $1 happy to receive the news. billion going towards water “Over the past several projects in Indian Country. years, the Public Safety The funding is being Committee has worked appropriated from a $50 diligently to educate our billion foreign assistance senators and representatives bill aimed at combating the about the public safety crisis spread of AIDS worldwide. on the Navajo Nation due to Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and our lack of jail facilities,” Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said Hope MacDonald-Lone asked on the Senate floor Tree (Coalmine Canyon/Toh to remember the needs of Nanees Dizi). “We are very Indian Country, before the grateful that Senator Kyl is bill was finalized. leading the effort to fix this “We have an amendment problem which has been Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Hope MacDonald-Lonetree (Coalmine Canyon/Toh Nanees Dizi), and Rex Lee Jim (Rock Point) which would designate $2 neglected in the past.” were key individuals in getting $2 billion for public safety improvement in Indian Country.

Navajo Human Memorial Day Council of Large Standards of Rights Commission Gourd dance in Land Base Tribes Conduct Conference approved Washington, DC pass legislation draws crowd PAGE...... 2 PAGE...... 3 PAGE...... 4 PAGE...... 5 2 Newsletter New Mexico State Legislature awards $4.2 million towards 52 projects on Navajo Nation MAY 3, 2008 Community Development behalf of the communities, the New Mexico Indian the project,” Martinez The New Mexico Capital Committee of the 21st Navajo but urged them to seek Affairs Department, said said. “Overall, the Navajo Improvement Office will WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. Nation Council accepted the funding from other sources capital outlay projects have Nation and the Indian Affairs work with the New Mexico — The New Mexico State grant at an awards ceremony as well. decreased across the state Department are managing Indian Affairs Department, Legislature awarded $4.2 held at the Navajo Nation “There is never enough for capital outlay projects, more than $32 million of who negotiates with the million towards capital Museum. funding appropriated to including 2008 funding for capital outlay projects, which Intergovernmental Relations improvement projects on Sampson Begay (Jeddito/ complete the entire project the Navajo Nation. Martinez include appropriations as far Committee. Chapters given the New Mexico portion of Steamboat/Low Mountain), with the funding awarded by urged chapters to expedite back as 2003 that have been 2008 appropriations will the Navajo Nation. chairman of the TCDC, took the State Legislature,” Begay the necessary paperwork reauthorized.” expire on June 30, 2010, The appropriations are the opportunity to address said. “It is up to you to fi nd to get projects rolling. Begay acknowledged and the appropriations for set aside specifically for chapter house leaders in innovative ways to make up “Some chapters still have Martinez and her staff for planning and design will planning, designing and attendance. Begay applauded the difference.” not initiated the required their assistance to chapters expire on June 30, 2012. ■ construction of facilities. chapter leaders for seeking R e b e c c a M a r t i n e z , scopes of work for their with budget development The Transportation and funding from the state on capital outlay manager for projects, which could stall and technical assistance. Navajo Council Delegate receives award for negotiating agreement between Sheriff and Tribal Police Eases jurisdictional presented with an award by without worrying about juris- Brown-Yazzie said. Yazzie negotiation included a the state of New Mexico for diction. Michelle Brown- helped to facilitate the New number of officials, such issues between spear heading an agreement Yazzie, the New Mexico Mexico DWI Task Force and as Sheriff Frank Gonzalez law enforcement between McKinley County DWI Coordinator, said provided public awareness of of the McKinley County agencies and the Navajo Nation to Yazzie has been a valuable DWI to the state. Sheriff’s Office, Donavon help combat alcohol-related partner to the state. “We will continue to Brown of Navajo Depart- MAY 7, 2008 accidents. “He has been instrumental work with state and county ment of Justice and Sampson Yazzie helped to launch an in educating state offi cials on governments to help bring Cowboy, director of the WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. initiative which allows tribal important sovereignty issues about positive change,” said Navajo Division of Public — Edmund Yazzie, council and state law enforcement and the government process Yazzie. Safety. ■ delegate for Thoreau, was offi cers to assist each other of the Navajo Nation,” The joint efforts of the Edmund Yazzie - Thoreau Council Delegate Offi ce of the Speaker Commission to curb racism and discrimination P.O. Box 3390 Window Rock, AZ 86515 against Navajos approved unanimously by Council (928) 871 - 7160 JUNE 30, 2008 in or near border towns to Fax: (928) 871 - 7255 assess the state of affairs www.navajonationcouncil.org WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. between the Navajo people — In an act to improve “It is important the and non-Natives. The www.navajo.org race relations and investi- commission will investigate gate civil rights infractions Navajo Nation exercise written complaints involving Honorable Lawrence T. Morgan against Navajo people, the discrimination of Navajo Speaker Council voted unanimously its authority and power citizens and network with to approve legislation to local, state, national and Dr. James J. Davis Jr. Leila Help-Tulley establish the Navajo Nation to protect the human international groups to Chief of Staff Legislative Staff Assistant Human Rights Commission advocate for human rights. Plan of Operation. rights of its own people” The commission will Gerri Harrison Charles Long The legislation was consist of fi ve commissioners Acting Director - Offi ce Legislative Staff Assistant sponsored by the Honorable which will be appointed by of Legislative Services Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan – Leonard Anthony, Shiprock the Speaker of the Navajo Jonathan Hale (Iyanbito/Pinedale). The Nation Council and confi rmed Council discussed the need Frank Seanez Legislative Staff Assistant by the Intergovernmental Acting Chief to protect Navajo people Relations Committee. The from discriminatory acts, Legislative Counsel Geri McArthur be the avenue and will give “As elected officials we members will be a diverse Administrative Assistant especially for Navajo the Navajo people a way see and listen and observe group of professionals in the Joshua Lavar Butler residents who live in border to address racism. It will through the conduct of following fi elds: Education, towns such as Gallup, Communications Director Laura Calvin also address racism which the non-Indian folks who Business, Law Enforcement, Financial Advisor N.M., Flagstaff, Ariz., and occurs inside the reservation continue to practice discrimi- Social Services and one Natasha Johnson Farmington, N.M. boundaries.” nation,” said Anthony. “We member to be an at-large “It really gets to the heart Public Information Offi cer Emerson O. Notah L e o n a r d A n t h o n y need to exercise our rights Navajo Nation member. Computer Operations when non-Navajos and (Shiprock) said it is important of the Diné people on behalf The commission will non-Natives really put us Eric Descheenie Manager the Navajo Nation exercise of this legislation.” operate under the legisla- Legislative Staff Assistant down in border towns,” said its authority and power to The measure established a tive oversight of the IGR (Shonto). “I protect the human rights of purpose of the commission Committee of the Navajo believe this commission will its own people. to conduct public hearings Nation Council. ■ Navajo Nation Council Newsletter 3 Navajo Nation Council helps to make gourd dancing event a success have people from all ethnic time to learn more about as the master of ceremony. include the Office of the Navajo Nation Council Washington D.C. st backgrounds in attendance.” the sacrifices our people Several Navajo veterans Speaker, the 21 Navajo Delegates Orlanda Smith- event draws have made and I hope they also visited the World War II Nation Council and the Black Hodge, Larry Anderson, “We have people left with an understanding Memorial at dawn and placed Creek Gourd Society of Fort Raymond Maxx, Curran large crowd at of how much we love this a wreath at the Tomb of the Defi ance, Ariz. The Inter- Hannon, Larry Noble and the National from all ethnic country and our people,” said Unknown Soldier. tribal Veterans Association Edmund Yazzie were in backgrounds in Anthony, who also served Sponsors of the event was the host drum group. attendance as well. ■ Museum of the attendance.” American Indian Hundreds of spectators MAY 24, 2008 from various backgrounds attended the event, including WASHINGTON — The Native people living in the sacrifice made by Native area. Numerous honored Americans who have served guests were in attendance in the military might have including former Navajo been unknown to some non- Nation President Milton Natives, but a Memorial Bluehouse Sr. and Navajo Day Gourd Dance held at Code Talker David Patterson. the National Museum of the Leonard Anthony, council American Indian helped to delegate for Shiprock, took educate some people. the opportunity to educate the “I can’t believe how public on the sacrifi ce Native many people are here,” said American’s have made for Frank Chee Wileto, former the country. Navajo vice-chairman and “I’m glad people took the Navajo Code Talker. “We

Navajo Nation Code Talkers were among hundreds of people who attended a Memorial Day Gourd Dance Larry Anderson (Fort Defi ance) speaks about the sacrifi ce at the National Museum of the American Native Americans have made in the history of the United Indian in Washington, D.C. States military. 4 Navajo Nation Council Newsletter Speaker Morgan attends Council of Large Land Base Tribes meeting hosted by the Crow Nation JUNE 26, 2008 support of S.B. 100, a bill people have sat idle and which will be presented to allowed others to make CROW AGENCY, Mont. the 110th U.S. Congress to decisions on our behalf. We — Teamwork and political develop a program to acquire need to have a seat at the mobilization was the theme interests in land from eligible table and we need to get out at the Council of Large individuals within the Crow and vote.” Land Base Tribes quarterly Reservation in the state of Venne said the upcoming meeting and the Council Montana. presidential elections are approved various resolutions The approved resolutions important and tribes have in support of issues affecting by the Council will increase the opportunity to help tribes across the country. advocacy for the issues and modernize the Bureau Speaker Lawrence T. more importantly will help of Indian Affairs and the Morgan lent his support to to strengthen support when Department of the Interior. Navajo Nation Vice President leaders give congressional “As Native people, we need , who presented testimony. Leaders agreed to stick together and fight. a resolution seeking the a unified voice is much We need to be organized Carl Venne, Crow Nation Chairman and chair of the Council of Large Land Base Tribes, support of the Council to add stronger when advocating and we can initiate change and Lawrence T. Morgan, Navajo Nation Speaker of the Council and vice-chair of the Mount Taylor – one of the issues at the national level if we all work together,” Council of Large Land Base Tribes, were among a number of leaders in attendance. four sacred mountains to the in Washington, D.C., and said Speaker Morgan, who Navajo people – to the New especially crucial in election serves as vice-chair of the Indian, also emphasized the legislative initiatives under Senate with a vote of 83-10 Mexico Registry of Cultural year. council. “We will not take mobilization of the Indian the new administration and is still waiting to be Properties permanent list. “This is an opportunity that a back seat.” vote for this year’s elections. and provided updates on heard by the House. Other resolutions were will give us the chance to put Joe Garcia, president of He updated leaders on legislation, which directly Several Navajo council presented, including a resolu- forth what we want as Indian the National Congress impacts Indian Country. He delegates attended the tion supporting tax incentives tribes,” said Carl Venne, of American encouraged tribal leaders to meeting, including Kee Allen in Indian Country. Leaders Crow Nation Chairman and support the Indian Health Begay Jr. (Many Farms/ said economic development chair of the council. “It’s Care Improvement Act, Round Rock), Young Jeff in Indian Country requires been too long that which was passed Tom (Mariano Lake/Smith tax incentives for tribal Indian by the U.S. Lake), Amos F. Johnson partners and tax incentives (Forest Lake), Lee Jack Sr. help alleviate barriers against (Whitecone/Indian Wells) development. and Orlanda Smith-Hodge Another resolu- (Cornfields/Greasewood tion sought Springs/Klagetoh/ t h e Wide Ruins). ■

The Council of Large Land Base Tribes come together for a photo after passing several pieces of legislation initiatives. Navajo Nation Council Newsletter 5 Standards of Conduct conference a success Training conduct for elected officials, Presenters included the Auditor General, Navajo Department of Personnel Division of Finance, Navajo and information on how representatives from the Nation Resource Enforce- Management, Navajo Nation Elections Administration and emphasized to file an ethics complaint Navajo Nation White Collar ment, Navajo Government Labor Relations, Retirement the Navajo Nation Business were among the main topics Crime Unit, the Office of Development, Navajo Nation Services, Navajo Nation Regulatory office. ■ on conduct of discussed at the conference. elected officials Sessions were held to help answer complex questions ranging from standards of APRIL 29- MAY 1, 2008 conduct for elected officials to Navajo ethics in govern- WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. ment law. — The laws surrounding ethics in government law Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan are complex and ensuring (Iyanbito/Pinedale) and officials and employees Francis Redhouse (Teecnos- understand how these laws pos), chairman of the Ethics are carried out remain to be & Rules Committee, were vital to sustaining the Navajo among a number of guest Nation. speakers who spoke on the A three-day conference importance of ethics and educating tribal employees procedure within Navajo and members was held in government. Albuquerque with more than 30 chapters attending Navajo Nation tribal officials and more than 20 Navajo and tribal workers attended Nation government offices the Standards of Conduct conference to become attending. updated on regulations and Ethics in government law, ethics in Navajo govern- regulations and standards of ment. MacDonald-Lone Tree addresses the issue of methamphetamine and other threatening issues on the Navajo Nation explained how devastating concluded 90 percent of the proposed budget would violent crimes on the Navajo “Why would these innocent be to the Navajo Nation. Nation are alcohol-related. She focused on the epidemic To combat these statistics, young children lose hope in of high suicide rates in the MacDonald-Lone Tree said their own lives? We cannot youth to make her point more concentrated efforts clearly understood. towards the establishment of ignore their cries for help “Our behavioral health a residential treatment center and allow this to continue.” counselors are overwhelmed are needed. with clients who are attempt- “The residential treatment — Hope MacDonald-Lone Tree, ing to take their own lives,” centers will make a signifi- MacDonald-Lone Tree said. cant impact on the lives of council delegate for the chapters “Why would these innocent individuals who are often sent Coalmine Canyon and Toh young children lose hope in thousands of miles away,” their own lives? We cannot said MacDonald-Lone Tree. Nanees Dizi (Tuba City) ignore their cries for help and She also expressed the allow this to continue.” nation’s need for additional She presented a report manpower for emergency from the U.S. Attorney’s medical services, equipment APRIL 16, 2008 officials from the U.S. office in Arizona which and vehicles. ■ Department of Health and WASHINGTON — Navajo Human Services to discuss Council Delegate Hope issues affecting the Navajo MacDonald-Lone Tree was people. a keynote speaker at the The release of President Health and Human Services George W. Bush’s budget 10th Annual Tribal Consulta- left leaders and officials in tion meeting, where she Indian Country dismayed delivered an address on and numerous congressional methamphetamine and other oversight hearings were threatening issues on the held. It was determined the Navajo Nation. president’s budget does not MacDonald-Lone Tree adequately cover necessary Navajo Council Delegate, Hope MacDonald-Lone Tree. (Coalmine Canyon/Toh programs. Nanees Dizi) met with MacDonald-Lone Tree 6 Navajo Nation Council Newsletter Navajo Nation Council sponsors pow-wow at 62nd Annual Navajo Nation Fair “We are always asked to volunteer for the “We brought in a few tons around the strength of our Tuba City, placed in the Tulley said. “I’m always position last year and since of dirt to lift up the whole Navajo women.” junior girls traditional and so excited to help with the striving to improve he jumped on board, one of camping area so we don’t’ He said the gourd dance was excited when she heard pow-wow.” and want to his main initiatives has been have the mud puddles,” and pow-wow was a major she placed. Keeswood was happy to to bring more sponsors to the Keeswood said. “They really attraction for families with L e i l a H e l p - Tu l l e y, receive positive feedback provide the best pow-wow. loved it.” children. Jessica Johnson, legislative staff assistant with f r o m a t t e n d e e s a n d possible experience His efforts have been The only improvement 12, came up with her family the Office of the Speaker, participants and hopes people successful and with the support which received mixed from Chinle, Ariz. She has was thrilled to see so many will share their pow-wow at the pow-wow.” of sponsors, the payout has feelings was the gated been on the pow-wow circuit young people participating. experience with others when –Ervin Keeswood Sr., jumped from $87,000 to arena. since she was two-years- “It’s wonderful to see our they go home, so the event council delegate for $170,000 in just one year. Spectators said it makes old and has been winning youth engaging in positive will become larger each year. Tse Daa Kaan Chapter “We got a substantial it difficult to see, but the consistently ever since, activities and seeing how “We want people leaving amount that we’re paying singing groups were happy taking third in this year’s thrilled they are when they here with a good impression out,” Keeswood said. with the gate since it helps to Junior Girls Fancy Dance are rewarded with money and of the Navajo Nation and “We’ve basically doubled prevent people from stealing category and winning $100. encouraged by their peers the Navajo people,” said SEPT. 7, 2008 our pay-out since last year.” equipment and helps prevent Amber Keeswood, 8, from and family members,” Help- Keeswood. ■ The advertised pay-outs too many spectators from WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. attracted over 1,000 people crowding their singing area. -- Nancy Ahboah, 67, was from all over the Navajo K e e s w o o d s a i d t h e all smiles as the dances at Nation, the United States and committee always makes it Navajo Nation Pow-wow Canada. One of the primary a point to talk and visit with began to wind down on sponsors was the 21st Navajo pow-wow participants and Sunday evening. Her smile Nation Council. attendees for improvements. brightened when she heard Shayna Meguinis, 17, “We are always striving to her name called by the of Alberta, Canada made improve and want to provide announcer for fifth place in her first trip to the Navajo the best possible experience the Women’s Golden Age Nation this year to attend the at the pow-wow,” said category. pow-wow. She was invited Keeswood. “This pow-wow has by outgoing Navajo Nation The committee is already gotten better every year,” pow-wow royalty. talking about upgrading the said Ahboah, who is from “I came to show them bleachers for next year’s Salt River, Ariz. “There’s support and represent the event. grass in the dancing arena Tsuutina Nation,” Meguinis “It has been a year-round and the parking has really said. “Everyone made us activity,” Keeswood added. improved.” feel welcome here and made “Once it’s over, you have Ahboah was particularly sure we had everything to get to start raising funds for the thrilled with the food and cleaned up.” next year.” treats pow-wow participants Local pow-wow trail goers Alvin Windy Boy, 57, were given each morning of were equally impressed. served as this year’s arena the four-day event. Robert Tree Cody, 57, from director. It was his first time “We got rations! How Navajo, N.M., was happy to directing at the pow-wow. about that?!” said Ahboah. come back. “I’ve worked in pow-wow Each morning, committee “They take care of the for over 40 years and the members trekked to each of people there,” said Tree people here are friendly,” the tents and gave families Cody, who placed second said Windy Boy, who is from eggs, bread, bacon, soda, in the Men’s Golden Age Rocky Boy, Mont. “In terms coffee and other goodies. championship category. of fairness and equitability, The food rations were a “ T h e y a c c o m m o d a t e d it’s the best and because so, nice surprise of hospitality everybody.” it attracts the best singers and to many of the pow-wow There were also several dancers.” participants, not to mention positive comments on the He complimented the other the high pay-outs and the improvements to the pow- activities going on at the fair new improvements to the wow grounds area. from the 4H-show to the pow-wow grounds. As soon as the Fourth of rodeo. “It’s just to help them July celebrations ended, the “There’s something here because it costs a lot to get committee began working for every kind of discipline from here to there,” said diligently to finish upgrade and it certainly gives credence Ervin M. Keeswood Sr., who projects. to the word fair,” said Windy is serving his second year as S o m e o f t h e n e w Boy. committee director of the improvements include, “The songs were powerful Navajo Nation Pow-wow. grass in the dancing area, and we were happy to see so Keeswood is also the council a gated arena for dancers many women participate this delegate for the Tse Daa and singers, more allotted year,” said Anderson, who Kaan Chapter. camping grounds, tables is also the council delegate Keeswood has been active for campers and a newly for Fort Defiance. “I really within the pow-wow circuit added road coarse base for took notice to that, since for years and comes from a unpredictable weather. this year’s theme revolved family of singers. He was Navajo Nation Council Newsletter 7

Low Mountain Chapter’s Community Based Land Use Plan is certified by TCDC MAY 5, 2008 Numerous public hearings chapters who are certified were conducted since with under the LGA. LOW MOUNTAIN, Ariz. the plan updated in December Noble recognized the — the Transportation & 2006 and finalized in January members of the Community Community Development 2008. L a n d U s e P l a n n i n g Committee (TCDC) of the The seven TCDC members Committee, including Jerry 21st Navajo Nation Council in attendance explained the A. James, Venora Kanuho, certified the Low Mountain importance of the certifi- Sarah Attakai, Benedict Chapter’s Community Based cation before voting and Gonnie, and Michael Bahe. Land Use Plan. commended chapter officials Peggy Sue Nez and Dorothy The certification brings for their persistence. Under Denetclaw with the Chinle the total amount of approved the Local Governance Act Local Governance Support Community Based Land Use (LGA), the certification Center staff were also recog- Plans on the Navajo Nation essentially allows chapter nized for providing technical to 66. Larry Noble (Jeddito/ members to determine how assistance to the committee. Steamboat/Low Mountain) they want community land The community presented sponsored the legislation and to be used. a plaque to the CLUPC, presented it to the TCDC, Sampson Begay, Chairper- Larry Noble, Sampson who voted unanimously to son of the TCDC (Jeddito/ Begay, and the Honorable approve it. Steamboat/Low Mountain), Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan Noble said the process was encouraged the chapter (Iyanbito/Pinedale). ■ lengthy and efforts for the to become LGA certified. certification began in 2000. Currently, there are nine 8 Navajo Nation Council Newsletter