OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT NORTHERN AGENCY REPORT

DECEMBER 2019

100 Parkway Drive, Window Rock AZ 86515 P.O. Box 7440, Window Rock AZ 86515 Phone: (928) 871-7000 Web : http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn.gov AHEE’HEE’

On behalf of the Nez-Lizer Administration, we look forward to continuing a positive and productive working relationship with each of the local governments for the benefit of our people and the Nation.

During this holiday season, we give thanks for the blessings of God for the Diné people and the great . With strength and resiliency, our ancestors stood strong and overcame adversities and atrocities that many of us cannot imagine. When our people were being forced from our homelands, our communities disrupted – our Diné people remained steadfast in rebuilding our homes, revitalizing our crops and livestock, and maintaining our way of life.

During this time, consider and reflect on our people’s journey and how we have boldly and resiliently led the way forward together through the practice of T’áá hwó’ ajít’éego, or self- reliance and self-determination, against adversities. We are a people who stood united and built a powerful sovereign nation and used our Navajo concepts and principles to move forward.

God Bless each of you, and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

JONATHAN NEZ NAVAJO NATION PRESIDENT

MYRON LIZER NAVAJO NATION VICE PRESIDENT AGENCY REPORT

CONTENT

VICE PRESIDENT LIZER JOINS PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR SIGNING OF 4 MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PERSONS EXECUTIVE ORDER NAVAJO NATION AND UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SIGN 5 MOA TO CREATE THE NAVAJO LAW FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FIRST LADY PHEFELIA NEZ ATTENDS FIRST NEW MEXICO 6 MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN TASK FORCE MEETING

PRESIDENT NEZ SIGNS LONG-AWAITED MASTER 7 AGRICULTURE LEASE FOR NAPI

NEZ-LIZER ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO MEETING 8 WITH NAVAJO UTAH CHAPTERS NEZ-LIZER EXERCISE TERMINATION PROVISIONS OF NTEC 9 INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS NAVAJO NATION INVESTS $19 MILLION IN NITRILE GLOVE 10 MANUFACTURING FACILITY JAMES D. ZWIERLEIN BECOMES THE OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 11 OF THE NAVAJO NATION VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE HONORS NAVAJO 12 NATION FLAG

NAVAJO NATION EPA CONTINUES TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL 13 TRASH DUMPING PRESIDENT NEZ CONGRATULATES NAVAJO NATION 14 ACADEMY CLASS 54 NAVY OFFICIALLY NAMES NEW CLASS OF SHIPS IN HONOR OF THE 15 NAVAJO PEOPLE

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

JARED TOUCHIN, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR CRYSTALYNE CURLEY, SR. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Office of the President and Vice President 3 VICE PRESIDENT LIZER JOINS PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR SIGNING OF MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PERSONS EXECUTIVE ORDER

On Nov. 26, 2019, Navajo Nation Vice President government-wide strategy to improve the safety of Native Myron Lizer and Second Lady Dottie Lizer joined American communities. The order will also allow tribal President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, for the signing and local law enforcement to seek assistance from the of an executive order to establish an inter-agency task Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Justice force to address the epidemic of missing and murdered Department, who will conduct an in-depth review of American Indians and Alaska persons. U.S. Attorney Gen. federal databases to determine best practices for collecting William Barr, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary data on missing and murdered Indigenous persons. David Bernhardt, and other tribal leaders were also in “Our Native American people experience attendance at the White House for the ceremony. violence at a higher rate than any other nationality in “This is another step forward for Indigenous the country. The lack of reporting and investigation of nations throughout the country. I commend President missing and murdered Indigenous peoples needs to be Trump and his administration for recognizing the taken seriously,” said Vice President Lizer. “The executive traumatic epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous order gives hope to our tribal nations that justice is being relatives. Throughout our tribal nations, we hear far too sought and that there is a path for healing of our families, many stories of families, victims, and survivors so we victims, and survivors.” need to keep our sacred women and children safe and “The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous protected,” said Vice President Lizer, who also had the persons has not only affected families, but it impacts honor of providing a prayer in the Oval Office moments communities. As leaders, we must continue to advocate prior to the signing of the executive order. for safety and justice for Native women and children. On Nov. 22, Attorney Gen. Barr announced the Most importantly, we need to address efforts to restore Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Initiative, balance, love, and harmony within Native homes and which will invest $1.5 million to hire specialized communities,” said Second Lady Lizer. coordinators within the offices of U.S. Attorneys who The murder rate is ten times higher than the will be tasked with developing protocols for a more national average for American Indian women, with coordinated response to violence against Indigenous 84-percent experiencing some form of violence during people. their lifetime. There is still no reliable way of knowing Tuesday’s executive order will launch “Operation how many Native women go missing each year because Lady Justice,” a task force led by Attorney General the databases that hold statistics of these cases are Barr and Secretary Bernhardt to develop an aggressive, outdated. Besides, issues have arisen due to the lack of

4 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. coordination between law enforcement agencies. President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Lizer also continue to support the Savanna’s Act, which aims to protect American Indian women, men, and children from violent crimes. The Senate moved forward with its version in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Committee earlier this week. “The issues of Missing and murdered Indigenous women is a priority for the Nez-Lizer Administration. On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we extend our appreciation to the administration for taking this step to protect Indigenous women, children, and families. Much more needs to be done at every level of government to protect our people,” said President Nez.

NAVAJO NATION AND UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SIGN MOA TO CREATE THE NAVAJO LAW FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was on Navajo Nation law and the legal system. The summer joined by Nation Shaandiin Parrish as externships will build on the first-year experiences and he finalized a Memorandum of Agreement with the include a workshop that helps to prepare for the Navajo University of Arizona at the James E. Rogers School of Nation Bar Exam. Third-year students will participate in Law on Dec, 3, 2019, which establishes the Navajo Law a workshop that prepares them for the Arizona Bar Exam Fellowship Program with the overall goal of increasing and Navajo Nation placement following the exam. the number of Navajo law school graduates and creating “This is a great partnership and a great pathways to legal careers. opportunity to foster the development of more Diné President Nez said the new fellowship program is professionals. Our Nation has a great need for more legal an investment in the future of the Navajo Nation, and also expertise to help move us forward in many ways whether empowers young Navajo people to determine their own it be securing water rights, the protection of our women future and creates another pathway for Navajo students to and children, or other important matters,” said Vice come home and give back to their communities. President Myron Lizer. “This MOA is intended to empower our Diné As part of the program, the Office of Navajo students — to bring them home to the Navajo Nation Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance will also to help our people through this partnership with the provide additional funds to cover a portion of fees for University of Arizona. I am thankful to the University students who are admitted to and attend the Pre-Law for working with us to create this new opportunity,” said Summer Institute at the University of New Mexico and President Nez. fees for the state bar exam application and the Bar Review Under the terms of the MOA, the Office of course necessary to help prepare for the bar exam. Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance and During the visit to the campus, President Nez the University of Arizona will partner to match financial also met with Navajo students who are part of the Navajo aid awards to Navajo law school students who are part of Nation Future Physicians’ Scholarship Fund program, the fellowship program. which was established under the former administration. In addition, first-year law school students The agreement with the University of Arizona will receive academic advisement, information, and an College of Medicine is designed to help more Navajo overview of the Navajo Nation legal system and legal students pursue careers as physicians. The program career possibilities within the Navajo Nation. They currently provides financial aid to seven Navajo students will also be placed in a summer honors externship that for the costs of tuition and academic support to help them may include rotations through selected Navajo Nation earn a medical degree from the University. law offices, court locations, legal aid offices and other “Our Nation is working with IHS to construct placements. several new hospital facilities in our communities Second-year students will be offered a course including Dilkon, near the city of Gallup, and we’re

Office of the President and Vice President 5 working to develop more so we need more health and medical professionals to return home and help our people,” stated President Nez. He also met with University of Arizona President Dr. Robert C. Robbins to discuss how to develop more partnerships to benefit Navajo students and to develop stronger support from the University for all Native American students by creating a senior level position to advise the University on Native American issues to help students, providing academic advisors for Native American students, more financial assistance, and more to C. Robbins, James E. Rogers School of Law Dean Mark improve retention and graduation rates. He also delivered Miller Regents Professor of Law Rob Williams, Assistant a letter from the Native SOAR student organization Vice President for Tribal Relations and Government & outlining concerns and recommendations from the Native Community Relations Karen Francis-Begay, and Office American student body representatives. of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance The Office of the President and Vice President Department Manager Rose Graham for your support. thanks Native SOAR, Native American Law Students Association, University of Arizona President Dr. Robert

FIRST LADY PHEFELIA NEZ ATTENDS FIRST NEW MEXICO MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN TASK FORCE MEETING

On Nov. 8, 2019, Navajo Nation First Lady In March, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Phefelia Nez attended the state of New Mexico’s first Grisham signed N.M. House Bill 278 into law to establish Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force the task force to investigate the epidemic of missing and meeting in Albuquerque, N.M. The purpose of the murdered Indigenous women in the state of New Mexico. meeting was to define goals, to develop a strategy for The bill also includes an emergency clause, showing the understanding the full extent of missing and murdered immediate need for a response by the state. Indigenous women in the state of New Mexico, and to In October, First Lady Nez was appointed by create a final report that meets the requirements of N.M. Gov. Lujan Grisham to serve on the task force to assist House Bill 278. in conducting a study to determine how to increase state

6 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. resources for reporting and identifying missing and with New Mexico Department of Public Safety Secretary murdered Indigenous women in the state. Mark Shea, and Kathy Howkumi of the U.S. Bureau of “Throughout Indian Country, we hear far too Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. many stories of families and victims who experience this traumatic epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous The other members appointed by Gov. Grisham women and girls. We need to put a stop to it, and it include: begins with identifying barriers, collecting and analyzing • Beata Tsosie, Pueblo representative data, and uniting with each other to protect our sacred • Sharnen Velarde, Jicarilla Apache Nation Indigenous women and children,” said First Lady Nez. representative The task force will also collaborate with tribal, • Bernalyn Via, Mescalero Apache Tribe representative state, and federal law enforcement agencies, victims, • First Lady Phefelia Nez, Navajo Nation representative survivors, grassroots organizations, health services, • Mathew Strand, representative of a statewide or local women shelters, and many others to determine the scope non-governmental organization that provides legal of the problem, identify barriers to address the problem, services to Indigenous women and create partnerships to improve the reporting of and • Linda Son-Stone, representative of an Indigenous the investigation of missing and murdered Indigenous women’s non-governmental organization that women. provides counseling services to Indigenous women “The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous • Elizabeth Gonzales, representative of the Office of women and children has not only affected families, but the Medical Investigator it impacts communities. As leaders, we must continue • Becky Jo Johnson, an Indigenous woman who is a to advocate for safety and justice for Native women. survivor of violence or who has lost a loved one to Most importantly, we need to address efforts to restore violence balance, love, and harmony within Native homes and communities,” added First Lady Nez. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women The task force is responsible for submitting Task Force will meet monthly until the completion of the a report of its findings and recommendations to Gov. report. For more information regarding House Bill 278, Lujan Grisham and present it to the appropriate interim please visit: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/19%20Regular/ legislative committee before Nov. 1, 2020. final/HB0278.pdf. New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Secretary Lynn Trujillo will chair the task force along

PRESIDENT NEZ SIGNS LONG-AWAITED MASTER AGRICULTURE LEASE FOR NAPI On Nov. 18, 2019, Navajo Nation President said President Nez, who signed the final lease agreement Jonathan Nez was joined by Navajo Agricultural Products at the NAPI Headquarters. Industry Board of Directors as he signed the first-phase Council Delegate Rickie Nez, who also chairs master agriculture lease for NAPI to continue operations the ’s Resources and Development on approximately 72,000 acres of Navajo land located Committee, sponsored legislation to support the master south west of Farmington, N.M. NAPI officials said the agriculture lease, which was eventually approved by the Navajo enterprise had work toward finalizing the lease RDC. agreement for several years. During the Nov. 18, NAPI Board of Directors The Navajo Nation created NAPI in 1970 to meeting, the group also received several reports and operate and manage the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project, updates regarding the Bisti Solar Project in the community which authorized the use of over 110,000 acres of land and of Huerfano, a hemp pilot research project being water resources to be used to grow agricultural products. conducted by NAPI and New Mexico State University Since then, the enterprise continues to expand and offer a under provisions in the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill, and the wide variety of food products for sale. proposed development of the petrochemical plant by Four “The Nez-Lizer Administration commends the Corners Economic Development. NAPI Board and all of their employees for continuing the President Nez noted that the Nez-Lizer success of NAPI and the development of NIIP. The master Administration’s Háyoołkááł Work Group supports lease process took years to develop and went through a the Bisti Solar Project, which is currently under the lengthy review process before reaching this point today,” management of project manager Sam Woods, who

Office of the President and Vice President 7 provided the update to NAPI Board members. NAPI the long-term benefit of the Navajo people. approved a resolution to support the project which will be Also in attendance were Navajo Nation Division developed on approximately 660 acres of land within the of Natural Resources Executive Director Dr. Rudy boundaries of NAPI. Shebala, Division of Economic Development Executive In April, President Nez and Vice President Director JT Willie, and Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Myron Lizer issued the ‪“Navajo Háyoołkááł (Sunrise) Office Director Robert K. Black, Jr. The Nez-Lizer Proclamation,” which states that the Navajo Nation will Administration thanks the NAPI Board of Directors and pursue and prioritize renewable energy development for staff for the opportunity to be a part of Monday’s meeting.

NEZ-LIZER ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO MEETING WITH NAVAJO UTAH CHAPTERS Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and annually from the Permanent Trust Fund principal, the Division Directors from the Nez-Lizer Administration Nation would prioritize those funds to ensure that direct met with the Navajo Utah chapters and Council Delegate services are funded in the Comprehensive Budget before Charlaine Tso on Dec. 2, 2019, at Tółikan Chapter where projects. they listened to concerns and recommendations from He also stated that he will request more officials and residents and provided updates to local funding for the Navajo Nation Division of Community residents. Development to provide more technical expertise to The meeting served as a follow-up to a meeting complete over $300 million worth of infrastructure and held in Mexican Water on Oct. 4, where President Nez community development projects that were funded in gave his commitment to meet with the Navajo Utah previous years. He noted that when the projects were chapters on a regular basis to maintain communication funded there were no funds allocated to hire additional with the residents and officials. workforce to work on the long list of new projects. “For our administration, it’s important that we “The Division of Community Development is in go out to the communities and be among the people to need of more resources and more workers with expertise truly understand the issues and to help us assess how we to complete the projects that are designated to each of the can help to empower our people. During our campaign, 110 chapters,” said President Nez. the Navajo people told us that they wanted to see Division Division of Community Development Executive Directors out in the communities,” said President Nez, Director Dr. Pearl Yellowman said she is currently who represented Utah chapters as a former member of the reorganizing the division in order to secure an adequate Navajo Nation Council. number of project managers to oversee ongoing projects. President Nez said he will present a plan that She also encouraged the chapters to submit applications will address potential budget shortfalls in the coming for Community Development Block Grant funds to help years for the Nation that is similar to the Permanent Trust with local projects, which are due in February. Fund Income Five-Year Plan that was approved in 2016. Division of Economic Development Executive Rather than prioritizing funds from the interest earned Director JT Willie reported that his staff continues to work

8 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. to empower chapters to conduct their own business site Mexican Water, Navajo Mountain, Oljato, Dennehotso, leasing and to stimulate their local economy by initiating Red Mesa, Aneth, Teec Nos Pos, and Tółikan. Many of their own taxes and other initiatives that provide revenues their issues are related to road projects, school bus routes, to grow and develop communities. emergency services and public safety, power line projects, Navajo Nation Environmental Protection broadband, chapter facilities, waste disposal, and more. Agency Executive Director Oliver B. Whaley also “The Nez-Lizer Administration thanks for the provided updates on uranium mine cleanup efforts. He Navajo Utah chapters, residents, and Council Delegate also encouraged community members to dispose of their Charlaine Tso for working together and moving their waste at transfer stations to avoid penalties for illegal communities forward. We are committed to supporting trash dumping and to keep their communities clean. your initiatives and to empowering your communities to Several other Division Directors provided complete projects that benefit your local residents,” added reports including Division of Natural Resources President Nez. Executive Director Dr. Rudy Shebala, Division of Council Delegate Charlaine Tso, who represents Human Resources Executive Director Dr. Perphelia several Utah chapters as a member of the 24th Navajo Fowler, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Nation Council, also offered her continued support for her Office Executive Director Christopher Becenti, and constituents and their projects. representatives from the Division of Transportation. The next regional meeting with Utah Navajo President Nez also spent the majority of Monday’s chapters is tentatively scheduled for March 6 at 9:00 a.m. meeting listening to concerns and recommendations from at Teec Nos Pos Chapter. chapter officials and members from the communities of

NEZ-LIZER EXERCISE TERMINATION PROVISIONS OF NTEC INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS

On Nov. 12, 2019, in the interest of protecting The action to exercise the termination provisions the Navajo peoples’ resources and financial portfolio, of the general indemnity agreements is in accordance Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President with Resolution CAP-13-15 related to the Navajo Mine Myron Lizer exercised the termination provisions of the acquisition in 2015, which also authorized the President to general indemnity agreements related to the Navajo Mine, take steps reasonable and prudent to carry out the original rejecting Navajo Transitional Energy Company’s proposal intent of the resolution — a position that is supported by to use the indemnity agreements for bonds financially- the Navajo Nation Council’s chief legislative counsel. backed by the Nation for NTEC’s recent acquisition of “The Nez-Lizer Administration strongly supports three coal mines located in Wyoming and Montana. Navajo businesses and enterprises, but business has to be “The Navajo Nation’s financial portfolio as well conducted the right way with transparency and integrity. as our resources would be placed in a state of uncertainty NTEC should focus more resources into transitioning if we allowed NTEC to proceed with finalizing the bonds their energy portfolio to acquire and develop renewable needed to operate these three mines using the Nation’s energy for the Navajo Nation,” said Vice President Lizer. consent given in these indemnity agreements. In addition, President Nez and Vice President Lizer also many experts question the viability of expanding our cite the lack of information provided by NTEC related interests in a coal market that appears to be dwindling. to the costs associated with reclamation bonds for the We will not support initiatives that attempt to circumvent acquisitions of the three mines and NTEC’s overall or undermine the laws and policies of our Nation,” said financial status. President Nez. “NTEC has not provided the Nation’s leaders The general indemnity agreements were with detailed information regarding its financial authorized by the Navajo Nation Council in 2013 and performance and outlook, so we should not be placed in 2015 for the sole purpose of providing financial backing a position to provide financial backing for NTEC without for bonds related to NTEC’s acquisition of the Navajo that critical information. The Office of the President and Mine, which NTEC still owns and operates. The bonds Vice President did not learn of these acquisitions until issued for the Navajo Mine acquisition, including bonds NTEC issued a press release on Aug. 19 — this action related to the Four Corners Power Plant, will remain in alone is disrespectful of our Nation’s leaders and the place and will not be affected in any way by Tuesday’s interests of the Navajo people.” termination of the general indemnity agreements.

Office of the President and Vice President 9 NAVAJO NATION INVESTS $19 MILLION IN NITRILE GLOVE MANUFACTURING FACILITY

On Nov. 11, 2019, Navajo Nation President construction, including infrastructure, of a manufacturing Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were and warehouse facility, approximately 124,000-square joined by Rhino Health, LLC, CEO Mark Lee while they feet, in the Church Rock Industrial Park. The manufacturing signed into law Resolution CO-31-19, which appropriates facility will become a supplier to government agencies, approximately $19 million from the Síhasin Fund to medical facilities, and food and retail industries. the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development The Navajo Nation Division of Economic Project Development Department for the Church Rock Development, including Industrial Development Industrial Park Project Phase Two, and adopts the Church Specialist Sharlene Begay-Platero, has been working Rock Industrial Park Project Fund Expenditure Plan. with the Rhino Health LLC to develop the Church Rock During the 2019 Fall Council Session, Manufacturing facility to begin production. Resolution CO-31-19 was approved by the 24th Navajo Navajo Nation Division of Economic Nation Council with a vote of 19-0. Speaker Seth Development Executive Director JT Willie stated, Damon sponsored the bill, and Council Delegates Jimmy “Historically, industrial development had been Yellowhair and Rickie Nez co-sponsored. misunderstood and was not a priority for the Navajo Nation. The Church Rock Industrial Park Project is Now, under the support of the Nez-Lizer Administration located within the community of Church Rock, N.M, and 24th Navajo Nation Council, industrial development approximately five-miles east of Gallup, N.M. Rhino is one avenue to employ our Navajo people and diversify Health, LLC, an international nitrile glove manufacturing the Nation’s economy.” company, is currently operating a phase one nitrile glove The multi-phase project includes an investment manufacturing plant to produce latex gloves. The phase of more than $49 million from Rhino, LLC. It is also one and two facilities will offer as many as 350 jobs new partially funded through the New Mexico Economic jobs on the Navajo Nation, and it will use 100 – percent Development Department, which contributed $3.5 million Navajo labor to construct the facility. through the Local Economic Development Act funds. “This project is a great example of what “The Administration also extends their partnerships can do to bring economic opportunities to the appreciation to Rhino CEO Mark Lee for working closely Navajo Nation. The manufacturing plant will help those with the Nation. The great and successful partnership will individuals needing jobs to provide for their families. This bring much-needed jobs and revenue for our Nation for would not have been possible without past leadership and many years to come,” said Vice President Lizer. the collaboration of all the three branches of the Navajo Once completed, the phase two facility would Government,” said President Nez. be owned by the Navajo Nation and will receive a tribal The appropriation will fund phase two of the building number.

10 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. “The Division of Economic Development has been working on this initiative for years, and it’s exciting to see the project moving forward. The project is already putting our Navajo people to work in preparation for the production of nitrile gloves. This project will bring many jobs home and instill hope and growth for the Navajo Nation,” President Nez added. Also, at the event was Council Delegate Wilson Stewart, Council Delegate Otto Tso, Navajo Nation Division of General Services Lomardo Aseret, Navajo Nation Division The nitrile glove manufacturing plant phase of Transportation Garrett Silversmith, Navajo Nation one is expected to open in December, and phase two is Veterans Administration Acting Executive Director expected to be constructed by 2021. James D. Zwierlein, and Division of Human Resources Executive Director Dr. Perphelia Fowler.

JAMES D. ZWIERLEIN BECOMES THE OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NAVAJO NATION VETERANS ADMINISTRATION Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer finalized a contract on Nov. 18, 2019, for James D. Zwierlein, who has served as the acting director since July, to serve as the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration, which was completed in consultation with the Navajo Nation Veterans Advisory Council. “Mr. Zwierlein’s military background and knowledge will be very beneficial for the Nation as we work with federal and state agencies and Navajo veterans organizations to assist and empower our veterans on the Navajo Nation,” said President Nez. Zwierlein has resided in Nahodishgish, N.M. for nearly four years with his wife Marie Zwierlein and their two children. Prior to his appointment, Zwierlein served as an Executive Staff Assistant with the Office of the President and Vice President and was assigned to work on housing issues, which included veterans housing. Zwierlein was honorably discharged in 2011 after approximately 15 years of service in various capacities with the Marine Corps, which included serving as a liaison to members of the U.S. Intelligence Oversight Committee, as an Operations Chief with the 11th Marine Artillery Regiment in which he managed

Office of the President and Vice President 11 and coordinated nation building projects in Afghanistan having been in the housing industry, were confident he to rebuild and stabilize local economies. He also served will help build more homes under the Veterans Housing as a project manager at Camp Las Pulgas, where he Program and for Navajo families,” said Vice President managed the construction of several new facilities for Lizer. U.S. Marine and Zwierlein Navy personnel. said he is grateful Following for the opportunity his honorable to serve the Nation discharge from and that he looks the Marine Corps, forward to building he served as the positive working operations manager relationships with for a residential the Navajo Nation construction Veterans Advisory company, to create Council and veteran the company’s organizations and strategic plans to advocates through build homes and the Navajo Nation. generate a highly- “I am skilled workforce excited that we have using local labor finally been able to forces. put this contract in Among place so that now other responsibilities, President Nez and Vice President we can focus on more important issues that will help Lizer have tasked Zwierlein with implementing housing our veterans get the service they need. I’m grateful for manufacturing facilities on the Navajo Nation to construct the opportunity and thankful to President Nez and Vice and deliver homes for Navajo veterans and others. President Lizer for having confidence in me to fill this “Homes are needed in every community across position,” stated Zwierlein. our Nation and with Mr. Zwierlein’s background and

NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE HONORS NAVAJO NATION FLAG

12 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. On Nov. 7, 2019, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Navajo Nation Veterans Administration Executive Director James D. Zwierlein had the distinct honor of being part of a Navajo Nation flag posting ceremony at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, N.M. President Nez joined Diné students, alumni, and school officials as they came together to raise the Navajo Nation flag on the school grounds for the very first time since the school was established in 1891. The New Mexico Military Institute remains the only state-supported co-educational college preparatory high school and junior college in the United States — the school currently has 33 Native American students with the large majority from the Navajo Nation. The school graduated the very first member of “As you become older there will be hard times the Navajo Nation, Victor Begay, in 1975. Begay was in life. It’s in those times that I want you to remember the honored at the ceremony as he posted the flag in Bates strength and resilience of your ancestors who overcame Hall, where the flags of many other countries are currently many adversities. Let’s honor them by exemplifying that posted, representing past and present students from same resilience in our lives and practicing the teachings countries around the world. President Nez was invited to of our elders,” said President Nez. the event by the school’s Native American Club President He also thanked alumni Dant “DJ” Tsosie and Geraldlynn H. Notah. Dylan Begaye, Miss Indian New Mexico Teen Tehya With Veterans Day approaching, President Nez Barber, Miss Indian New Mexico Shenoa Jones, the spoke about the long and proud history of Navajo people Native American Club members, and many others who who have served in every branch of the military including were part of requesting the school to post the flag and the Navajo Code Talkers. He encouraged the students to coordinating the flag posting ceremony. remember the strength and resilience of their ancestors The Nez-Lizer Administration appreciates the who overcame many adversities including The Long invitation to be a part of the historic event. President Nez Walk. and Vice President Myron Lizer wish all of the students the very best.

NAVAJO NATION EPA CONTINUES TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL TRASH DUMPING Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Vice officers, they are allowed to carry weapons, effectuate President Myron Lizer, and Navajo Nation Environmental arrests, and respond to violations and disputes. Protection Agency Executive Director Oliver B. Whaley Additionally, the officers enforce the Navajo Nation laws announced the approval of the utilization of Navajo by investigating cases, collecting evidence, conducting Nation EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Division seal on analysis, and providing legal guidance to assist with all criminal enforcement officer vehicles on the Navajo prosecutions. Nation. “Within the agency, the skill and authority of the “This is another important step forward for the agency’s officers are needed to address environmental Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Enforcement violations and disputes, such as illegal dumping and open Division to enforce the Navajo Nation’s environmental burning. The agency highly depends on the officers to laws, including our air, water, and land resources. We respond, investigate, and report incidents, and the public have many laws in place to protect our environment, needs to be aware of their presence in the communities,” but our Nation has not enforced them as much as we said Whaley. should. Therefore, we encourage our Navajo citizens to Earlier in November, the Navajo Nation Motor be aware of the agency’s officers and vehicles within our Vehicle Review Board approved the usage of the Navajo communities,” said President Nez. Nation EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Division seals on The NNEPA Criminal Enforcement Division all NNEPA criminal enforcement officer vehicles on the officers are legitimate law enforcement officers, who are Navajo Nation. Additionally, the Navajo Nation Fleet post certified and legally authorized Peace Officers. As Management Board approved the usage of the vehicles to

Office of the President and Vice President 13 patrol and respond 24 hours, seven days a week. to develop a landfill for the Navajo Nation to help address “We commend Mr. Whaley and his team for the issue of illegal dumping. moving forward in this effort to The NNEPA Criminal reduce the amount of violations in Enforcement Division will be our communities. In every chapter, developing rotations of patrol duties we hear from our people about to monitor violations across the illegal dumping. This will help to Navajo Nation. prevent that and make people think The Nez-Lizer Administration twice about violating our laws,” said also encourages communities to Vice President Lizer. be proactive in addressing illegal In August, Whaley also trashing dumping and to hold others announced that the NNEPA would accountable if this is occurring in also begin to seek prosecution of your neighborhood. The public is those who illegally dump trash encouraged to report illegal trash and waste in Navajo communities. dumping by calling the Navajo In addition, the Nez-Lizer Nation Environmental Protection Administration is working diligently Agency at (928) 871-7692.

PRESIDENT NEZ CONGRATULATES ACADEMY CLASS 54

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was The graduates of Class 54 completed challenging honored to attend the Navajo Nation Police Training training in academics, physical and mental conditioning, Academy Class 54 in support of 19 young and determined communications, firearms, and others. The academy also Navajo Police Officer recruits, who received their Navajo integrates Diné Fundamental Law, as well as state and Nation police badge during a graduation ceremony on federal laws, into the training curriculum. Nov. 1, 2019, at Chinle Community Center in Chinle, In support of the recruits, President Nez joined Ariz. Each of the 19 officers completed the 24-week the recruits on Wednesday for the group’s final police police academy training, which was overseen by the academy run through the community of Chinle. Navajo Police Department. President Nez congratulated the new police The Navajo Police Academy, located in Chinle, officers and their families and thanked them for their has prepared three classes of recruits within two-years commitment to serve the Navajo Nation during the for careers in law enforcement under an environment graduation ceremony. that upholds respect, self-discipline, accountability, “We congratulate and commend the Navajo academic achievement, integrity, and professionalism. Nation Division of Public Safety and the Navajo Police

14 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. Department for supporting and preparing the new officers. · Kendrick Cody – Chinle District Serving in the line of duty will be a physical, emotional, · Derek Drake – District and mental challenge for the new officers and their loved · Carmen Francisco – Window Rock District ones. However, through prayer and the support of their · Bernita Gillis – Kayenta District families and communities, I am confident they will serve · Wyatt Joe – Window Rock District and protect our communities well,” said President Nez. · Benson Perry, Jr. Crownpoint District “Our young officers have a direct influence to heal our · Chad Tachine – Kayenta District people through respect and trust of authority within · Chad Yazzie – Window Rock District our communities through compassion, patience, and · Johnathan Yazzie – Chinle District leadership.” “Our new officers are entering into a new world Also, in attendance was Navajo Chief of Police of challenges and opportunities. I challenge everyone to Phillip Francisco, Deputy Chief of Police Daryl Noon, pray for our officers and first responders. They witness Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, Council Delegate incidents that some of us cannot bear to see. They will Nathaniel Brown, Apache County Sheriff Joseph need our endless support. Let’s work together and be Dedman, Jr., Utah State Troopers, Arizona Department of there for them as a relative, neighbor, and friend,” added Public Safety, New Mexico State Troopers, and others. President Nez. On behalf of the Nez-Lizer Administration, we The 19 police officer recruits took the oath of commend the Navajo Police Training Academy personnel honor administered by Chinle District Court Judge Rudy and officers, including the Navajo Nation Division of Bedonie, while their loved ones participated in the pinning Public Safety Executive Director Jesse, Navajo Police of the Navajo Police Department badge. Captain Ronald Silversmith, Class 54 Training Sergeant Carlton Jim, Class 54 Sergeant Stanley Ashley, and The 19 Navajo Nation recruits include: Lt. Emmett Yazzie for training the new class of police · Dustin Abeita – Crownpoint District officers. · Amber-Lynn Begay – Crownpoint District The Navajo Police Training Academy · Brianna-Lynn Begay – Crownpoint District successfully trained and graduated approximately · Nehemiah Begay – Chinle District 47 police officers within two-years. Class 52 had 12 · Vince Benallie – Tuba City District graduates and Class 53 had 16 graduates. · Mylon Calamity – Dilkon District · Lance Chischilly – Chinle District The 19 police officers will start their duty as Navajo police · Matthew Carr – Crownpoint District officers within their designated districts immediately. · Jerrick Cly – Kayenta District

NAVY OFFICIALLY NAMES NEW CLASS OF SHIPS IN HONOR OF THE NAVAJO PEOPLE Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was people have always been the caretakers and protectors honored to be joined by the members of the 24th Navajo of our sacred land in every branch of the Armed Forces, Nation Council, Speaker Seth Damon, Chief Justice JoAnn so we are very grateful that our selfless and brave Diné B. Jayne, former Speaker LoRenzo Bates, and Navajo warriors are being recognized and honored through this Code Talker Peter McDonald on Oct. 30, 2019, during historic ceremony,” said President Nez. the U.S. Navy’s Authentication of the Keel Ceremony of During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers, the U.S. Navy’s first of class towing and salvage vessel, Marines Corps service members under the Department of “USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6)” at the Civic Center in Houma, the Navy, fought in the Pacific Theater, transmitting top- La. secret messages. By the end of the war, over 400 Code The keel was said to be “truly and fairly laid” as Talkers were trained for this unique service. Today, the it was authenticated by President Nez, Speaker Damon, Navajo people continue to serve in Armed Forces at a and Jocelyn Billy, who signed their initials into the keel higher rate than the national participation rate. plate that is the symbolic backbone of a ship, the keel In March, the Secretary of the Navy Richard plate will be fastened within the hull of the vessel. V. Spencer announced that the new class of U.S. Navy, “As the First Americans of this country, we are Salvage, and Rescue ships would be named “Navajo.” The honored to celebrate this major milestone in our history. class is named in honor of the Navajo people’s significant The milestone we celebrate today is the first of its kind contributions to the Armed Forces. for the Navajo Nation. Throughout our history, the Diné The new class of vessels will be based on existing

Office of the President and Vice President 15 commercial towing offshore vessel designs and replace “Today will be remembered as a day in history the current T-ATF 166 and T-ARS 50 class ships, which that the Navajo people were honored and recognized for are in service with the U.S. Military Sealift Command. the many great things, we have given for this country of The first ship of this class is named USNS Navajo. Other ours,” said Vice President Myron Lizer. potential vessels will be named in honor of prominent Also, in attendance at the keel authentication Native Americans of Native American tribes. ceremony was Navajo Navajo Nation Veterans In Dec. 2017, the National Defense Authorization Administration Acting Director James Zwierlein, Council Act for Fiscal Year 2018 was signed into law with the Delegate Vince James, Raymond Smith, Jr., Charlaine advocacy and support of late U.S. Sen. John McCain (AZ Tso, and Kee Allen Begay, Jr., and former Council – R), who retired from the Navy with the rank of captain. Delegate Jonathan Hale. The Act supported the naming of the new class of ships as A prayer dedication of the USNS Navajo (T-ATS USNS Navajo. 6) was conducted by Leroy Thinn and Kenneth Begishe “I commend all the past leaders who advocated of Shonto, Ariz., and Thompson Billy. for this over the years to honor our Navajo people, The USNS Navajo is expected to be completed in including the late Sen. McCain, former President Russell March 2021 and join the U.S. Military Sealift Command Begaye, members of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council, and fleet of more than 120 ships. former Speaker LoRenzo Bates,” added President Nez.

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