Navajo Nation's New Leader

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Navajo Nation's New Leader NEIGHBORS N ava j o Fall 2015 • Volume 9, Number 2 Navajo Nation’s New Leader YOUR CONNECTIONS TO NAVAJO MINISTRIES Keep connected to what’s happening at Navajo Ministries, the Four Corners Home for Children and KNMI Vertical Radio electronically through the following: Navajo Ministries www.NavajoMinistries.org Facebook Join our E-mail Club for consistent updates through our electronic newsletter, Navajo Ministries Notes. Four Corners Home for Children www.FourCornersHomeForChildren.org Facebook KNMI Vertical Radio www.VerticalRadio.org Facebook Pinterest Twitter N ava j oNEIGHBORS contents Fall 2015 • Volume 9, Number 2 YOUR CONNECTIONS 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT MISSION STATEMENT A Smooth Transistion to New President Navajo Ministries helps the people we serve TO NAVAJO MINISTRIES through programs that instill hope, restoration and Christian values. 5 NEWS AND VIEWS EDITOR Eric Fisher 6 COVER STORY ‘God Is In Control of the Navajo Nation’ GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Rodden 9 CELEBRITY ROAST PUBLISHER Navajo Neighbors is owned and published Roast Brings Out Fun, Highlights Bakers by Navajo Ministries Inc., and is published two times a year and distributed approximately 10 fOUR CORNERS HOME FOR CHILDREN every six months. Postmaster send address changes to Navajo Active Summer of Fun, Faith and Fellowship Neighbors, PO Box 1230, Farmington, New Mexico 87499. 11 ON-site SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION Students Find Educational Success at School Navajo Ministries 2103 West Main Street PO Box 1230 12 NEWS AND VIEWS CONTINUED Farmington, New Mexico 87499 EUBANK COUNSELING CENTER UPDATE Phone 505.325.0255 Parents’ Actions Affect Overall Wellness of Children Fax 505.325.9035 E-mail [email protected] Web site www.NavajoMinistries.org 13 NAVAJO NATION OUTREACH ABOUT NAVAJO MINISTRIES Teams From Across U.S. Lead VBS Navajo Ministries was established in 1953 for the purpose of caring for dependent children, regardless of race, religion or national origin, 14 KNMI VERTICAL RADIO and for printing and distributing Navajo tracts Station Brings Home Two State Awards and hymnals. The ministry has expanded over the years to include: a non-commercial Christian radio 15 lIVING MEMORIALS station, KNMI Vertical Radio 88.9 FM; an The Little Missionary On-Site School; and Navajo Nation Outreach, providing spiritual, emotional and material encouragement to those living in Navajoland. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR When a donor expresses a preference as to the use of donated funds, Navajo Ministries will Welcome to the Fall 2015 edition of Navajo Neighbors magazine. This issue is filled with make every effort to honor their request and interesting, relevant stories of how God is working both through Navajo Ministries, and the in most cases this is done in exact compliance Navajo Nation. with the donor’s wishes. However, the Board Our cover story this issue is on new Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye, who served on the of Directors, in ensuring that Navajo Ministries Navajo Ministries Board of Directors from 2009-2011. President Begaye has been a good friend to Navajo Ministries and fully credits God for placing him in this important leadership position. It was our pleasure to carries out its exempt purposes required by law spend some time with the new President this summer and talk about his vision and hopes for the Navajo people. and effectively uses available funds, accepts the responsibility of applying funds in accordance Also inside this issue: with objectives of the ministry. • Navajo Ministries also has a new leader as I was named just the third President in the history of this amazing organization earlier this year. Views and opinions expressed in Navajo Neighbors by those interviewed are not • We have a new Director of Development, Diana Lang, who brings a wealth of experience and energy. necessarily those of Navajo Ministries. • A recap of the Jim and Kay Baker Roast, held in April to honor the Bakers’ 40 years of service. Navajo Ministries is a Charter Member in • Updates from the Four Corners Home for Children, Navajo Ministries School, KNMI Vertical Radio and Navajo good standing with ECFA (Evangelical Council Nation Outreach programs. for Financial Accountability). There’s even more to read in the pages that follow. We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Navajo Neighbors, and stop by and see us any time if you’re in the area. God Bless, Eric Fisher Editor and President from the president A Smooth Transition to New President immersed in successfully directing our fund-raising activities for the new Education and Activity Center. Remembering how founder Jack Drake had prayed for someone to come and continue the leadership role of this organization, Kay and I were now doing the same. In the summer of 2012 our board appointed Eric to the position of Vice President. On May 1st of this year, I retired as President of Navajo Ministries after serving in that role for 28 years. It was a joy to welcome Eric as the third President of Navajo Ministries in our 62-year history. I’ve often said, “When God guides, He provides!” He has done just that with the smooth transition of Eric moving from Vice President to President. Kay and I are delighted to continue on a half-time basis, serving as Co-Directors of Partnership Ministry. “I want to thank Jim and Kay for their leadership and friendship during my first seven years at Navajo Ministries. This is a wonderful place to serve, with God leading the way in all we do,” Eric added. “I look forward to what He has in store for all of us in the future. It is amazing to realize By Jim Baker and Eric Fisher of Development who would be how Navajo Ministries has grown It was just after I finished hosting my able to connect the ministry to new from a single children’s home in 1953 daily radio show “The Four Corners donors who would join us in reaching to an active 16-acre campus with four Spotlight” in August of 2008 when many in our region with a message programs today.” Eric Fisher entered my office. I had of hope. After reviewing his past Eric can be reached at 505.324.5260 known Eric casually over the years. accomplishments and hearing of his or at [email protected]. His mother was an elementary school desire to be used of God through this He looks forward to continuing to teacher for many of our children when ministry, we welcomed him to our play a vital role in fulfilling Navajo Kay and I were houseparents. Eric, staff. He hit the ground running on Ministries’ mission of helping the a veteran of the newspaper business, September 8th, having only one week people we serve through programs that had been on my show in the past when to get his office in order before joining instill hope, restoration and Christian he was working for San Juan Regional us for our annual Navajoland Tour. values. Medical Center. I remembered him With his journalism degree it was mostly from having a wonderful, deep only natural for Eric to quickly “radio voice.” become editor of our Navajo We were looking for a new Director Neighbors magazine. He also became Eric Fisher, President 4 NAVAJO NEIGHBORS news and views regarded Charity Navigator, receives no state, federal or tribal funding, relying primarily on individual, business, church and foundation support to operate its programs. “Sometimes in life you are lucky enough to have opportunities find you. I believe that is what happened for me with this position at Navajo Ministries,” Lang said. “The mission is one that is close to my heart, and I Navajo Ministries Gives am excited about my future with these amazing people.” Thanks for Large Gifts Lang, an active member of First Navajo Ministries thanks Houses United Methodist Church in with Hope and the “Get Mom Down” Farmington, is a 1981 graduate of event for providing $5,000 for the Farmington High School and holds Four Corners Home for Children an Associate of Arts Degree from San earlier this year. Pictured are Ronna Diana Lang New Director Juan College. and Andy Jordan with Houses with Hope, and Navajo Ministries President of Development She says her greatest Eric Fisher. Navajo Ministries welcomed accomplishments are her three Diana Lang as our new Director of daughters, Heather, Breanna and The Four Corners Home for Development in June. Diana is largely Emma Lang. Heather is a PHD Children, the largest of four programs responsible for fund-raising and candidate at Florida State University, at Navajo Ministries, also received public relations for Navajo Ministries. Breanna is a recent Texas Tech $14,900 from ConocoPhillips and graduate and is now the speech nearly $7,000 from the Charity Lang worked for Farmington- therapist at Mesa Verde Elementary Crawfish Boil event hosted byPinon based San Juan College for 27 years, School, and Emma is a senior at Hills Community Church in recent with most of her time there spent Colorado State University. months. We sincerely thank all of as assistant director of the Health these supporters, along with everyone Lang can be reached at 505.324.5241 and Human Performance Center. who helps make a difference for or at [email protected]. Highly active in the community children in need at the Four Corners Navajo Ministries welcomes Diana since the 1980s, Lang retired from Home for Children. San Juan College in 2012 and since Lang to our team! then has served as president of the board at the Arc of San Juan County, Letter to The Editor: a local non-profit assisting people with disabilities. She has a wide Dear Navajo Ministries, range of marketing, grant writing, A good many years ago my son told me about Navajo Ministries.
Recommended publications
  • Second Quarter Report
    DEPARTMENT OF DINÉ EDUCATION FY 2017 Second Quarter Report (January, February, and March 2017) Dr. Tommy Lewis, Superintendent of Schools (928) 871-7475 [email protected] Timothy Benally, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent of Schools (928) 871-7475 [email protected] DEPARTMENT OF DINÉ EDUCATION FY 2017 – Second Quarter Report Page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 II. CRITICAL ISSUES 3-5 III. PROJECT STATUS 5-8 IV. BUDGET STATUS 8 V. OPERATIONAL & IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE STATUS 9 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (NNDODE PROGRAM) A. Office of Diné Science, Math, and Technology (ODSMT): 1. The historic approval of the Diné School Accountability Plan (DSAP) in September 2016 has given “the green light” to the Department of Diné Education to begin implementing the academic contents and achievement standards to 60 BIE schools across the Navajo Nation that will be consolidated into one accountability system. Future phases of DSAP will integrate Navajo language and culture into the Navajo school accountability system. 2. DODE Administration and staff are convening planning meetings with stakeholders to implement Phase I of DSAP. A DODE team has been established to provide outreach to schools by sponsoring monthly updates, workshops, and technical assistance for schools reservation- wide, meeting with school leadership, and providing individual trainings at the school level. A Teacher Institute was sponsored by ODSMT and was attended by 75 teachers from 17 different schools. Teachers developed 13 models for school improvement for Phase I of DSAP. One model will be chosen at the next Teacher Institute and available for implementation. 3. DODE assigned staff are drafting amendments to Title 10 designed to improve accountability, transparency, and oversight of tribally-controlled schools under the authority and sanctions of the Navajo Nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Tribal/Interior Budget Council Meeting
    TRIBAL/INTERIOR BUDGET COUNCIL MEETING Tribal, Central, and Regional Members TIBC Subcommittee Members Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort 22181 Resort Blvd. Flagstaff, AZ 86004 July 24 - 26, 2017 TRIBAL/INTERIOR BUDGET COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Tribal Representatives Tribal Co-Chairs: W. Ron Allen, Chairman, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe [email protected] GREAT PLAINS REGION WESTERN REGION Harold C. Frazier, Chairman Terry Rambler,Chairman Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Inter Tribal Council of Arizona P.O. Box 590 2214 North Central Avenue Eagle Butte, SD 57625 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (605) 964-4155 office (602) 258-4822 [email protected] [email protected] Nancy Greene-Robertson Michael Dallas, Sr. Spirit Lake Tribe Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community PO Box 374 10,005 E. Osborn Road Fort Totten, ND 58335 Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (701) 230-7244 office (480) 362-7400 [email protected] [email protected] SOUTHERN PLAINS REGION PACIFIC REGION Robert Smith, Chairman Ronnie Thomas, Chairman Pala Reservation Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas 12196 Pala Mission Road 571 State Park Rd 56 PMB - 50 Livingston, TX 77351 Pala, CA 92059 (936) 563-1284 office (760) 591-0926 office [email protected] (760) 742-1411 fax [email protected] Angela Thompson, Tribal Council Member Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Russell Attebery, Chairman P.O. Box 470 Karuk Tribe of California Pawnee, OK 74058 P.O. Box 1016 (918) 762-3621 office Happy Camp, CA 96039 [email protected] (530) 493-1600 ext 2019 office (530) 493-5322 fax [email protected] Please provide updates to: [email protected] TRIBAL/INTERIOR BUDGET COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Tribal Representatives ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION SOUTHWEST REGION Alvin (AJ) Not Afraid, Jr., Chairman Helen C.
    [Show full text]
  • 21ST ANNUAL INDIAN NATIONS and TRIBES LEGISLATIVE DAY Arizona State Capitol | Tuesday, January 19Th, 2016
    21ST ANNUAL INDIAN NATIONS AND TRIBES LEGISLATIVE DAY Arizona State Capitol | Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 Hosted by the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs Office of the President American Indian Initiatives MISSION : nships between ASU elatio and en r India gth n t ren American India rib st d build n prog al g nd t an ram ov a por s th er ild sup e grad rou nm bu e, o achiev uation th gh e o ot ent t roug to n T om stud h re ut ts r n lev A p dia an Indian gradua en SU To In eric tes th t n f Am rou stu ica n o gh d er tio hig en ra h t Am ne er s e ed up ch t g u p a ex ca o e n ti rt le e on s b th a e a t w rv n i i e ru a c c re e o e n s T r e o s T s Office of American Indian Initiatives Bryan Brayboy, Ph.D. Arizona State University Special Advisor to the President PO Box 8777025 on American Indian Affairs Tempe, Arizona 85287-7705 [email protected] (480) 727-8325 Jacob Moore, MBA Learn more: Assistant Vice President, Tribal Relations americanindianinitiatives.asu.edu [email protected] president.asu.edu newamericanuniversity.asu.edu Annabell Bowen, M.Ed Director, Office of the American Indian Initiatives [email protected] American Indian Initiatives @asu_oaii Arizona State Capitol – Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 21ST ANNUAL INDIAN NATIONS AND TRIBES LEGISLATIVE DAY ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL – TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th, 2016 AGENDA 8:30 – 1:00 Registration and Exhibitor Fair 10:30 – 12:00 Joint Protocol Session – AZ House of Representatives • Posting of Colors – Ira Hayes Post #84 • Pledge of Allegiance – Taylor Susan, Miss Indian Arizona 2015-2016 • Invocation – Delbert Ray, President, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Communty • Opening Remarks - Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Navajo Nation Looks to Continue the Success of the Federal Land Buy-Back Program
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS June 22, 2018 Jared Touchin (928) 221-9253 Jolene Holgate (928) 380-4174 Crystalyne Curley (928) 286-7918 [email protected] Navajo Nation looks to continue the success of the federal Land Buy-Back Program TSE BONITO, N.M. – Members of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council, President Russell Begaye, and the Eastern Navajo Land Commission office met with officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Land Buy-Back Program, Appraisal and Valuation Services Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians on Thursday, to discuss the implementation of the PHOTO: (left to right) BIA Navajo Region Director Sharon Pinto, second round of the federal Land Federal Land Buy-Back Program Manager John McClanahan, Buy-Back Program for the Navajo President Russell Begaye, Speaker LoRenzo Bates, Council Nation. Delegate Norman M. Begay, Council Delegate Seth Damon, and Office of the Special Trustee official Lavern Sam, during the In 2012 the Cobell Settlement, Federal Land Buy-Back Program meeting at the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation on June 21, 2018. which stemmed from a class action lawsuit over claims that the federal government mismanaged and incorrectly accounted for the income from Indian Trust assets – specifically Individual Indian Money accounts. Out of the total settlement award of $1.9 billion, $1.5 billion was allocated to purchase fractional land interests, $285 million for implementation and administrative costs, and $60 million for scholarships for Native Americans. The 23rd Navajo Nation Council approved legislation in April 2014 that authorized former President Ben Shelly to sign a cooperative agreement with the federal government to allow the Eastern Navajo Land Commission to hire staff, educate Navajo landowners, and coordinate sale offers under the implementation of the program on the Navajo Nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Council Members Congratulate the Shonto Community on the Opening of the Shonto Marketplace
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS May 8, 2017 Jared Touchin (928) 221-9253 Jolene Holgate (928) 380-4174 Crystalyne Curley (928) 286-7918 [email protected] Council members congratulate the Shonto community on the opening of the Shonto Marketplace Photo: Council Delegate Seth Damon and President Russell Begaye cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Shonto Marketplace on May 2, 2017 in Shonto, Ariz., along with other members of Council and Shonto Community Governance officials. SHONTO, Ariz. – 23rd Navajo Nation Council members attended the grand opening of the Shonto Marketplace last Tuesday, which has been in planning and development for several years by the Shonto Community Governance, Shonto Economic Development Corporation, and Shonto Commercial, LLC. The Shonto Marketplace is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 160 and Arizona Highway 98, and is approximately 33-miles southwest of Kayenta, Ariz. Budget and Finance Committee chair Council Delegate Seth Damon (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Tsé Lichíí’, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) congratulated the community of Shonto for the opening of a new convenience store and said that he had concerns regarding the location of the store until the committee was provided an opportunity to visit Shonto. “Congratulations to the Shonto community. You all have raised a significant amount of leaders that have made the responsibilities, the leadership, and the moral dedication to have the vision and goal to know that what the needs are for the next seven generations, and they
    [Show full text]
  • Navajo-Thaw-Recovery-Plan-Final.Pdf
    E NAV Welcome | Table of Contents TH AJO F N O A L T A I E O S N T Robert Black, Jr. Navajo Thaw Support Navajo Nation Housing Jonathan M. Kanuho A Bodaway Gap Chapter Cheriden Yazzie Tuba City Chapter E Team Authority Susan McCabe R Raymond Don Yellowman Bill Edwards Myra Begay Sandra Black G Leonard Sloan Sharon Neztsosie Gerald Keetso Wilbert Goy Mark Maryboy Ernest Franklin Nellie Monroe Bessie Zahne Gary Biakeddy Joetta Goldtooth Julia Hardy Thomas Tso Edison Johnson Gary White Lee Yazzie, Jr. Louva Dahozy Max Goldtooth, Sr Nate Burton Brian Cole Seneca House Charlotte Honga Sydney Tsinigine Vincent Yazzie Velma Maloney-Begaye Patsy Yazzie Kimberly Janeway Ed Johnson Brian Tremko Nolen Nelson Larry Hardy WELCOME CONTENTS Lucille Saganitso Krause Dollie W. Kee Steven Arizana Carol Pete Colbert Dayzie Frank Begaye Bartholomew Stevens George Kee Charlene Manygoats Milford Maloney Kevin Bradford Gevern Begay Teresita Clashin Miranda Morales Evelyn Yellowhorse Rosalie Natoni Durann N Begay Paulson Chaco Waylon Honga Raymond Maxx Seneca House Catherine Wright Benny Johnson Jessica Neztsosie Angelita Williams Milton Bluehouse, Jr. Navajo Nation in the National Media . 4 Leonard Chee Bobby Robbins Derek Livingston Leo Kayaani Message from Effie Shupla Dallen W. Keo Helen Webster Prudence Brady Jerald Scott House Brenda Yazzie John Hawkins Executive Summary Rose A Tsosie Wilson Dahozy, Jr. Alisa Begay Patrick Dalgai Daniel Smith Sr. Christopher T. Bahe Kristen Harston Executive Summary . 8 Vera Parres Carol Dahozy Leandrew Sixkiller LaVerne Benally Natalya Robbins Sherman Shaun T. Sells Lisa Ashcroft President Jonathan Nez An Emergency Plan for Navajo . 10 Lewis John Tonalea Red Lake Harold Nez Jerom Meyers Andy Yates Sarah L.
    [Show full text]
  • Navajo Leadership in a Language Shift World Lloyd Lance Lee
    Indigenous Policy Journal Vol. XXVIII, No. 1 (Summer 2017) “Must fluently speak and understand Navajo and read and write English”: Navajo Leadership in a Language Shift World Lloyd Lance Lee In 2014 and 2015, the Navajo (Diné) people discussed, debated, and decided on language fluency in their elected leadership. It has not necessarily been resolved but it does show how Navajo leadership has changed for the past two hundred plus years. The change shows the vitality of the Diné people and way of life in the twenty-first century. In this article, I discuss and examine Navajo leadership in a language shift world and what does this mean for the Diné people. I first do an overview of traditional Navajo leadership then examine the impact of western thoughts and ways on Navajo leadership followed by recent Navajo presidential elections and wrap up with a final discussion on leadership in a language-shift world. Traditional Navajo Leadership The Navajo (Diné) word naat’áanii identifies Navajo men and women who are planners, orators, and community leaders. If you translate the word into the English language, it roughly means orator, speaking to and for the people. The word also refers to leader yet the depth of this word and context is more specific and honored. Navajo people use naat’áanii when referring to chairmen, presidents, council delegates, and chapter officials. While the word itself does not designate an individual a naat’áanii, the word is acknowledged as a distinct title.1 Traditional naat’áanii had a heavy burden to carry and she/he always thought of the people first and not her/his own wants.
    [Show full text]
  • Council Confirms Directors for Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency and Division of Transportation
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS January 4, 2016 Jared Touchin (928) 221-9253 Jolene Holgate (928) 380-4174 [email protected] Council confirms directors for Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency and Division of Transportation WINDOW ROCK – Last Wednesday, the Navajo Nation Council confirmed Dr. Donald D. Benn as the director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency and Garret Silversmith as the director of the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation. Legislation No. 0244-15, sponsored by Council Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd (Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kin Dah Lichíí, Steamboat), confirmed Benn as director of the NNEPA, who was appointed by President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez in May 2015. Benn is originally from Lukachukai, Arizona. He is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People) and is born for Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan). His maternal grandfather is Tábąąhá (Waters Edge Clan) and his paternal grandfather is Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People). Benn received his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico, Master of Science in Chemistry from New Mexico State University, and Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry, also at NMSU. During the discussion, Council Delegate Leonard Tsosie (Baca/Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake) raised concerns regarding the Gold King Mine Spill that affected public and private agricultural and ranching operations in the northern part of the Navajo Nation. “It really bothered me how you were handling the Gold King Mine Spill, along with others such as the [Navajo Nation] Attorney General and the President,” said Delegate Tsosie. “What we found out was that the testing company that was testing results for the Navajo Nation is the same testing company providing results to the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Navajo Nation Council Approves Use of Funds for Chapters, Water Line Projects, and Economic Development Projects
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS January 27, 2016 Jared Touchin (928) 221-9253 Jolene Holgate (928) 380-4174 [email protected] Navajo Nation Council approves use of funds for chapters, water line projects, and economic development projects PHOTO: Displays a breakdown of the five-year plan for the Permanent Trust Fund income. WINDOW ROCK – During the second day of the 2016 Winter Council Session, the Navajo Nation Council by a vote of 21-1 approved Legislation No. 0314-15, a five-year expenditure plan for the earnings generated from the principal balance of the Navajo Nation’s Permanent Trust Fund. Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Seth Damon (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Tsé Lichíí’, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh), said Tuesday’s approval marks the first time in history that an expenditure plan had been approved that would benefit Navajo communities directly. In 1985, the Navajo Nation created the Permanent Trust Fund and invested $26 million, which has grown to over $1.6 billion as of Dec. 31, 2015, according to a report provided by the Office of the Controller. The creation of the PTF also mandated that no income from the fund could be used for a period of 20 years from the time of its creation. The income generated from the PTF has been available for use since 2005 but has been reinvested into the PTF instead of being used for projects that benefit Navajo communities, stated Delegate Damon. “Each year, the Nations sends this money back to Wall Street without seeing tangible benefits for our communities,” said Delegate Damon. “With this five-year plan, we can begin putting the funds to use and see the real benefits for our people.” Delegate Damon also emphasized that the plan does not propose to take money from the principle balance of the PTF – only the annual generated income.
    [Show full text]
  • NAVAJO NATION VICE PRESIDENT JONATHAN M. NEZ Jonathan Nez
    NAVAJO NATION VICE PRESIDENT JONATHAN M. NEZ Jonathan Nez currently serves as the Vice-President of the Navajo Nation. He was born on the Navajo reservation in Tuba City, Arizona and raised in Shonto, Arizona. Vice President Nez is married to Phefelia Herbert-Nez and they have two children, Christopher and Alexander. He is the son of John H. Nez and Mabel H. Nez. His grandfather, H.T. Donald, was the former Navajo Nation Council Delegate for Shonto Chapter, and his grandmother was Mae Donald from Shonto. In regards to his Navajo clans, Vice President Nez is of the Áshįįhí Clan (Salt People) and born for the Ta’neeszahnii Clan (Tangle clan). His maternal grandfather’s clan is Tódích’íi’nii Clan (Bitter Water Clan) and his paternal grandfather’s clan is the Táchii’nii Clan (Red-Running-Into-The-Water Clan). Vice President Nez began his Navajo political career after being elected as Shonto Chapter Vice President. He was later elected to serve three terms as a Navajo Nation Council Delegate, representing the chapters of Shonto, Oljato, Tsah Bi Kin and Navajo Mountain. Vice President Nez was also elected as a Navajo County Board of Supervisor for District 1 and served two terms. Vice President Nez’s term on the board of supervisors was cut short when he was asked to be a running mate to Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye. On April 21, 2015, the Navajo people elected President Begaye and Vice President Nez to be their leaders for the next four years. With more than 10 years of dedicated public service, Vice President Nez took the oath of Navajo office along with President Begaye on May 12, 2015.
    [Show full text]
  • Second Quarter Report
    DEPARTMENT OF DINÉ EDUCATION Dr. Tommy Lewis, Superintendent of Schools Timothy Benally, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Second Quarterly Report - Fiscal Year 2016 (January, February, and March 2016) Table of Contents Page No. I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1-2 II. CRITICAL ISSUES 3-10 III. NNDODE MAJOR ONGOING PROJECT STATUS 10-19 IV. OPERATIONAL & IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE STATUS 19-24 V. NNDODE BUDGET STATUS 25426 NNDODE 2nd Quarterly Report FY 2016. Page i DEPARTMENT OF DINÉ EDUCATION Dr. Tommy Lewis, Superintendent of Schools Timothy Benally, Assistant Superintendent of Schools FY 2016 Second Quarterly Report (January, February, and March 2016) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Every Student Succeeds Act In December 2015, U.S. Congress and Senate reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA). The “No Child Left Behind Act” is now expired and obsolete. Some highlights of the new law are: 1. States still have to test students in reading and math in grades 3–8 and once in high school. 2. States have wide discretion in setting goals, figuring out just what to hold schools and districts accountable and deciding how to intervene in low-performing schools. While tests still have to be a part of state accountability systems. 3. Combines 50 programs into one block grant. 4. The authority of the U.S. Secretary of Education is limited. The federal government cannot interfere with state decision-making on testing, standards, and school turnarounds. 5. ESSA keeps in place maintenance of effort (MOE). 6. ESSA is only "authorized" for four more years. 7. States develop accountability systems. ESSA ends the federal test-based accountability system of NCLB Act.
    [Show full text]
  • Navajo Thaw Bennett Freeze Version
    E NAV Welcome | Table of Contents TH AJO F N O A L T A I E O S N T Robert Black, Jr. Navajo Thaw Support Navajo Nation Housing Jonathan M. Kanuho A Bodaway Gap Chapter Cheriden Yazzie Tuba City Chapter E Team Authority Susan McCabe R Raymond Don Yellowman Bill Edwards Myra Begay Sandra Black G Leonard Sloan Sharon Neztsosie Gerald Keetso Wilbert Goy Mark Maryboy Ernest Franklin Nellie Monroe Bessie Zahne Gary Biakeddy Joetta Goldtooth Julia Hardy Thomas Tso Edison Johnson Gary White Lee Yazzie, Jr. Louva Dahozy Max Goldtooth, Sr Nate Burton Brian Cole Seneca House Charlotte Honga Sydney Tsinigine Vincent Yazzie Velma Maloney-Begaye Patsy Yazzie Kimberly Janeway Ed Johnson Brian Tremko Nolen Nelson Larry Hardy WELCOME CONTENTS Lucille Saganitso Krause Dollie W. Kee Steven Arizana Carol Pete Colbert Dayzie Frank Begaye Bartholomew Stevens George Kee Charlene Manygoats Milford Maloney Kevin Bradford Gevern Begay Teresita Clashin Miranda Morales Evelyn Yellowhorse Rosalie Natoni Durann N Begay Paulson Chaco Waylon Honga Raymond Maxx Seneca House Catherine Wright Benny Johnson Jessica Neztsosie Angelita Williams Milton Bluehouse, Jr. Navajo Nation in the National Media . 4 Leonard Chee Bobby Robbins Derek Livingston Leo Kayaani Message from Effie Shupla Dallen W. Keo Helen Webster Prudence Brady Jerald Scott House Brenda Yazzie John Hawkins Executive Summary Rose A Tsosie Wilson Dahozy, Jr. Alisa Begay Patrick Dalgai Daniel Smith Sr. Christopher T. Bahe Kristen Harston Executive Summary . 8 Vera Parres Carol Dahozy Leandrew Sixkiller LaVerne Benally Natalya Robbins Sherman Shaun T. Sells Lisa Ashcroft President Jonathan Nez An Emergency Plan for Navajo . 10 Lewis John Tonalea Red Lake Harold Nez Jerom Meyers Andy Yates Sarah L.
    [Show full text]