OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT Fort Defiance Agency Council Report September 19, 2020

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’

Yá’át’ééh. On behalf of the Nez-Lizer Administration, we are pleased to present to you the Eastern Agency Report with community members, chapter officials, and administration. We continue to look forwards to continuing a positive and productive working relationship with each of the local governments for the benefit of our people and the .

In the following report, we provide an overview of several recent achievements and the ongoing progress of other initiatives. We understand that we cannot create change and move our Nation forward on our own, we need the partnership and support of the chapter governments and many others to do so.

We once again thank the chapter officials, administration, and active chapter members for your hard work, leadership, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assure you that the Nez-Lizer Administration will continue working with you to create a better future for all of our people. God bless each of you, and God bless our great Navajo Nation!

JONATHAN NEZ NAVAJO NATION PRESIDENT

MYRON LIZER NAVAJO NATION VICE PRESIDENT AGENCY REPORT

CONTENT

5 NEW CASES, 7,229 RECOVERIES, AND FOUR MORE DEATHS RELATED 4 TO COVID-19 AGREES TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR 5 USING ONLINE INSTRUCTION NAVAJO NATION AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE MAKING PROGRESS 6 WITH WATER POINTS AND SAFE WATER STORAGE PROJECTS

NAVAJO NATION IMPLEMENTS STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS 7

NEZ-LIZER SEEK SUPPORT FOR $177 MILLION EXPENDITURE PLAN 8

PRESIDENT APPROVES $475 MILLION IN CARES ACT FUNDING 9

NAVAJO NATION BUSINESS AND ARTISANS ECONOMIC RELIEF GRANT 11 PROGRAM AWARDS OVER $254,000 IN CARES ACT RELIEF FUNDS “NAVAJO NATION CENSUS MONTH” PROCLAIMED BY NATION’S 13 LEADERS

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 5 NEW CASES, 7,229 RECOVERIES, AND FOUR MORE DEATHS RELATED TO COVID-19

On Friday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination • Kayenta Service Unit: 1,327 with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian • Shiprock Service Unit: 1,543 Health Service, reported 5 new COVID-19 positive cases for the • Tuba City Service Unit: 954 Navajo Nation and four more deaths. The total number of deaths • Winslow Service Unit: 481 is now 544 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 7,229 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 101,514 COVID-19 tests have * Six residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases enough to place them accurately in is now 10,090, which includes two additional positive COVID-19 a Service Unit. cases that were previously unreported due to delayed reporting from health care facilities. The Navajo Nation will have a 32-hour partial weekend lockdown beginning on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9:00 p.m. and last until Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit: Monday, Sept. 21 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT) to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. On Friday, the state • Chinle Service Unit: 2,363 of reported 1,117 new cases of COVID-19, the state of • Crownpoint Service Unit: 829 reported 1,281 new cases, and reported 154. The large • Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 966 increase in Arizona is due to the recent addition of antigen testing • Gallup Service Unit: 1,621 results, which adds to the overall total and includes positive cases

4 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. from months past, according to the Arizona Department of Health. “Our condolences and prayers go out to the families of the “To keep our numbers of new cases of COVID-19 low, we four individuals who passed away recently from COVID-19. This must stay home as much as possible and not travel off the Navajo is a reminder that the risks associated with this virus are real and Nation. The overall numbers from the states are still high. Use the continue to impact our people. Please do not let up and please keep weekends to prepare for the winter season by weatherizing your your guard up. Continue to pray for our frontline warriors and all of homes, gathering fire wood and other essential supplies. We recently our Navajo people,” said Vice President Myron Lizer. lifted restrictions on the use of chainsaws to allow families to The Nez-Lizer Administration also continues to encourage gather fire wood for the winter season. Please stay home as much as everyone to get counted for the 2020 Census. You can self-respond possible, wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands by mail, by telephone by calling 1(844) 330-2020, or online at often, and avoid large gatherings,” said Navajo Nation President https://2020census.gov. . For more information, including helpful prevention tips, The Nez-Lizer Administration will distribute food and care and resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the Navajo packages at Northern Edge Navajo Casino beginning at 9:00 a.m. Department of Health’s COVID-19 website: http://www.ndoh. (MDT) on Saturday, Sept. 19. U.S. Census representatives will also navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and be on-site to help answer questions, provide information, and help information, call (928) 871-7014. residents self-respond for the 2020 Census.

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AGREES TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR USING ONLINE INSTRUCTION FOR THE SAFETY OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

On Sept. 10, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez spoke Nation’s stance in support of online learning, as opposed to in- with U.S. Asst. Sec. of Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney and Bureau person class instruction, for the first semester for BIE schools on the of Indian Education Director Tony Dearman, to reaffirm Navajo Navajo Nation to help prevent and control the spread of COVID-19

Office of the President and Vice President 5 among students and teachers. operated schools on the Navajo Nation to provide virtual or online As a result of their discussion, Asst. Sec. Sweeney issued a learning options with no face-to-face instruction. letter to President Nez stating that the BIE “will implement distance Federal law requires that the BIE, in carrying out its learning for the first nine weeks of instruction and it will coordinate mission to provide quality education opportunities in accordance its 32 BIE operated school plans with the Navajo Nation.” The letter with tribal needs, shall “ensure that Indian Tribes fully exercise self- further states, “We look forward to discussing the status of distance determination and control in planning, priority-setting, development, learning the week of November 9, 2020 to determine the most management, operation, staffing and evaluation in all aspects of the appropriate educational delivery approach to serve students, given education process.” local conditions.” “We appreciate the Department of the Interior and Bureau “We are thankful that Asst. Sec. Sweeney and Director of Indian Education’s willingness to discuss these issues on a regular Dearman agreed to begin the school year by implementing online basis with our Nation’s leaders and for taking this first step to help learning, however, we strongly urge the BIE to continue with online protect our students and teachers. I believe we all want what is learning for the entire first semester. Our COVID-19 cases on the best for our students and teachers, it’s just a matter of identifying Navajo Nation have been on a consistent decline, but there remains resources and developing a path forward that helps to ensure the substantial risk to all of our citizens due to high numbers in regions safety and health of everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic and and cities near the Navajo Nation. Our number one priority continues the upcoming flu season. As we approach the flu season, encourage to be the health and well-being of our Navajo people, especially everyone to continue wearing masks, staying home as much as our students, teachers, and school administrators. We continue to possible, practice social distancing, avoiding crowds, and washing urge all schools to do their very best to provide all students with the your hands often,” stated Vice President Lizer. resources needed to advance their education,” said President Nez. To help expand capacity for telecommunications and The BIE previously notified the Navajo Nation of their broadband development on the Navajo Nation, President Nez and plans to reopen BIE-operated schools on Sept. 16 and later assured Vice President Lizer are proposing to use a portion of CARES Act President Nez that the BIE would respect the sovereignty of the funds to help provide internet services for more students, schools, Navajo Nation and proceed with online classes. and homes on the Navajo Nation through Legislation No. 0209-20, In June 2020, the Department of Diné Education conducted which is currently moving through the legislative process. parent and teacher surveys and the results showed overwhelming The Nez-Lizer Administration will continue to communicate support for online learning, as many parents cited their concern for on a regular basis with Asst. Sec. Sweeney, Director Dearman, the safety of their children. On Sept. 3, the Navajo Nation Board Department of Diné Education, Navajo Nation Board of Education, of Education confirmed its unanimous support for online-only and other stakeholders to help ensure the safety and health of Navajo instruction for fall 2020 through Resolution NNBESE-666-2020, students, teachers, and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. which also opposes face-to-face instruction and directs all BIE-

NAVAJO NATION AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE MAKING PROGRESS WITH WATER POINTS AND SAFE WATER STORAGE PROJECTS USING CARES ACT FUNDS

In July 2020, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer, and officials with the Indian Health Service finalized a Memorandum of Agreement to allocate over $5 million from the IHS appropriated Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to support the installation of up to 54 transitional water points, assistance with water fees, supply of up to 37,000 water storage containers, and up to 3.5 million doses of water disinfection tablets for residents living in homes with no piped water access for the duration of the Navajo Nation COVID-19 public health emergency. This large-scale effort is known as the Navajo Nation/IHS COVID-19 Water Access Mission. On Tuesday, Navajo Area IHS reported that 52 transitional water points have been open to the public, increasing access to approximately 12,117 people living in homes with no piped water on the Navajo Nation. There are an additional seven transitional water points remaining that will serve an estimated 3,737 people. When all 59 transitional water points are open, the average travel 6 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. distance for residents in these communities will be 17 miles round trip. This is a decrease of 35 miles per round trip, with an average drive time savings of 38 minutes. “Getting water resources to our Navajo people is one of our top priorities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this partnership between the Nation, Indian Health Service, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, and Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority, thousands of Navajo families now have access to more water sources closer to home. The CARES Act funds are being used and we are seeing the benefits,” said President Nez. Additionally, Navajo Engineering Construction Authority is working with chapters to deliver an estimated 37,000, 5-gallon water storage containers for distribution by chapter at sites with existing permanent water points and newly installed transitional water points. Once delivered, IHS will provide training to chapter officials on the distribution of the water storage containers. Additional training will be provided as needed for distribution of water disinfection tablets. “The tremendous efforts being put forth each day contributes Development, comprised of 21 partners from the Navajo Nation, to more Navajo homes having access to clean water, which is a federal, state partners, public health universities, and non-profit great need during this COVID-19 pandemic. We are hopeful that organizations that have been meeting on a regular basis to collaborate with increased access to water, families are not only able to increase on emergency water access response actions and to develop long- domestic usage but also keep their families safer and healthy. We term solutions to address the lack of home water access. appreciate the hard work of all of the partners and we look forward The Nez-Lizer Administration remains committed to to seeing more progress,” stated Vice President Lizer. working together with the Indian Health Service to complete these The partnership of these entities developed into a group projects to provide water access for our Navajo people. called the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Water Access Coordination Group, co-led by IHS and the Navajo Nation Division of Community

NAVAJO NATION IMPLEMENTS STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS, RESOLVES ISSUES OVER THE USE CHAINSAWS TO GATHER FIRE WOOD

On Wednesday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Nez. Vice President Myron Lizer, Attorney General Doreen N. McPaul, “The top priority is always protecting our communities and Navajo Area BIA Director Bartholomew Stevens signed and our Navajo people. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many Executive Order No. 010-20, implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions setbacks, but we are a resilient people and we will continue to on the Navajo Nation, which also resolves concerns over the use of overcome adversities. We are thankful to all of our Nation’s fire chainsaws to gather fire wood for the upcoming winter season. fighters and the many others who helped our Nation when we had The new Executive Order lifts some of the restrictions that were wildfires earlier this year. We all have to work with one another and included in the previous Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which went into hold each accountable in order to prevent any more wildfires. Please effect in May 2020 during the height of fire dangers on the Navajo proceed with extreme caution and continue to pray for everyone who Nation. With ongoing wildfires in the southwest, President Nez said is impacted by the wildfires happening in several states throughout the new restrictions still provide for the safety and prevention of the country,” said Vice President Lizer. wildfires, but also allow the Navajo people to gather fire wood for the upcoming winter season. The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following: “With devastating wildfires occurring in several states in • Possession, manufacturing, sale or use of fireworks or other the southwest, we must proceed with extreme caution in order to pyrotechnic devices pursuant to 17 N.N.C. § 2733 prevent any wildfires and to ensure the safety of our communities on • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, the Navajo Nation. The latest fire restrictions provide for flexibility charcoal, coal; except campfires and charcoal to be used in to allow our Navajo people to use chainsaws to gather fire wood for developed sites where fire rings or grills are provided the winter season, which was previously restricted during certain • Using a firearm and incendiary devices, without a valid permit times of the day. Open fires and fireworks are still prohibited under the latest fire restrictions. Use this opportunity to prepare your The following activities must use extreme caution: homes and families for the upcoming winter season,” said President • Smoking, which is recommended only in permitted areas,

Office of the President and Vice President 7 within an enclosed vehicle, traditional and ceremonial uses, authorizes the otherwise prohibited act; and while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that • Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice; 1. The following activities are PERMITTED: • Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized • Persons who regularly reside within the closed area are rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official permitted to go to and from their homes and continue ordinary duty; and activities that do not create an unreasonable fire hazard; • The implementation of Low Complexity Prescribed Fire which • Propane, gas or other petroleum-fueled stoves will be allowed meet prescriptions approved by the Agency Administrator for livestock branding; under an approved Burn Plan. • Ceremonial fires, properly registered and permitted by the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) The Executive Order states that any person or parties found through a Navajo Nation EPA Burn Registration, five (5) guilty of violating the fire restrictions will be fined up to $5,000 or days prior to ceremony. To obtain a Burn Registration, please provide restitution. The Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, contact Navajo Nation EPA Air Quality at (928) 729-4156. Division of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail: NN Air Quality, PO Box 529, Fort Defiance, AZ 86504, Division of Community Development, and the Bureau of Indian FAX: (928) 729-4323 or email: kaelynnmorgan@navajo-nsn. Affairs Wildland Fire and Aviation are hereby directed to fully gov; enforce the Executive Order. • Persons with a written permit/bonding/license that specifically

NEZ-LIZER SEEK SUPPORT FOR $177 MILLION EXPENDITURE PLAN PROVIDES IMMEDIATE COVID-19 RELIEF FOR NAVAJO FAMILIES, STUDENTS, ELDERS, AND OTHERS Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President exposure of COVID-19. Myron Lizer are requesting the Navajo peoples’ support for • $4 million for Navajo Nation Shopping Centers, Inc., to Legislation No. 0209-20, which puts forth a plan to provide $177 provide tenant and property safety improvements at all ten million of the remaining CARES Act funds to provide direct shopping centers to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 and financial assistance to Navajo students, elders, families, and others exposure to employees and the public. impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. • $15.4 million for immediate connectivity and information sharing resources via Verizon satellite internet in the proximity Legislation No. 0209-20 includes the following: of all Navajo Nation chapters for families to respond to • $35 million for emergency relief and assistance for Navajo COVID-19 crises. college graduate and undergraduate students. • $7.4 million for propane and natural gas services to homes or • $25 million for housing initiatives, including housing refilling bottles as a COVID-19 relief service for the upcoming improvements in the Former Bennett Freeze Area (FBFA). winter season. • $3 million to enhance technological services to improve • $15 million for solar projects for households on the Navajo coordinated responses for Navajo Nation employees and Nation, including the Former Bennett Freeze Area. students through the Department of Diné Education • $5 million to address solid waste disposal that will enhance • $4.3 million for the installations of plexiglass/vinyl, IT Navajo communities’ sanitation and mitigate the spread of support, purchase of tablet devices, and air ventilation for COVID-19. Head Start centers on the Navajo Nation to protect staff and • $1 million for Navajo Nation Information Technology students from the coronavirus. to procure professional services to oversee broadband/ • $5 million for the Navajo Nation Division of Social provides telecommunication developments to address technology hardship assistance for Navajo school-age children to purchase during the COVID-19 pandemic. school supplies, tablet devices, laptops, school clothing, and • $602,206 for in-vehicle internet connection for Navajo Nation other financial burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Service, and emergency • $10 million for the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services management to respond to COVID-19 crises. provides emergency financial assistance for Navajo vulnerable • $10 million for the Office of the Controller (OOC) to promptly elders and individuals with disabilities. Relief may include administer and manage the federal CARES Act funds. past-due utility bills, rent, mortgages, isolation expenses, and • $653,000 for the Office of Management and Budget to assist other financial burdens caused by the coronavirus. OOC and other departments to administer the federal CARES • $5 million for the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services Act funds. to transition remotely to serve over 15,000 clients to avoid the • $29.9 million for emergency financial assistance for Navajo 8 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. members, elders, and individuals with underlying health COVID-19 pandemic. conditions to purchase food, disinfecting supplies, pay past “The remaining amount of the CARES Fund will be used due utility bills, rent, mortgages, isolation expenses, and other to provide direct relief services and resources to the Navajo people. financial burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March, we have visited all 110 communities on the Navajo Nation, and we heard the hardships and pleas of our Navajo people. Legislation No. 0209-20 is currently eligible for The pandemic is like nothing we have dealt with before. However, consideration by the 24th Navajo Nation Council’s Standing we are strong, compassionate, and resilient people, and we will Committees. President Nez and Vice President Lizer respectfully overcome this by working together,” said Vice President Lizer. request the Council members to move the proposal through the Overall, the Navajo Nation received over $714 million in legislative process to address the immediate relief of Navajo CARES Act funds: $600 million on May 6, $86 million on June 16, students, elders, vulnerable individuals, and families. and $27 million on June 18. Approximately $537 million in CARES “The final CARES Act funding proposal created by the Act funds has been approved and signed into law, leaving a remaining Nez-Lizer Administration reflects the immediate and essential needs amount of $176 million, which the Nez-Lizer Administration is of our Navajo people related to the coronavirus. The fight against proposing to use these funds to directly help Navajo students, elders, the virus is not over, and many people are experiencing the financial, families, and others impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through emotional, and physical burdens caused by the pandemic. We must Legislation No. 0209-20, which is sponsored by Council Delegate join together to move the legislation forward, so our people can get Kee Allen Begay, Jr., and co-sponsored by Council Delegates the immediate help they need,” said President Nez. Herman Daniels, Jr. and Vince James. On July 4, President Nez and Vice President approved The Navajo people are asked to submit supportive two separate resolutions, CJN-46-20 and CJN-47-20, that were comments for Legislation No. 0209. Please feel free to copy and previously approved by the 24th Navajo Nation Council totaling paste the following sample comment and submit via email to over $62 million in CARES Act funds for special duty pay, [email protected] and [email protected] and personal protection equipment for frontline workers, disinfecting of [email protected]. Please indicate your full government facilities, and more to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 name and chapter affiliation. on the Navajo Nation. “I write in support of Legislation No. 0209-20 to move On Aug. 16, President Nez and Vice President Lizer forward with the $177 million expenditure plan to help Navajo approved over $476 million in CARES Act funding through students, elders, families, and others impacted by the COVID-19 resolution CJY-67-20, for water line projects, power line projects, pandemic. Please vote in support of the legislation and move it solar power projects, internet access to remote areas, business forward. Thank you.” assistance, and more resources to help the Navajo people during the

PRESIDENT APPROVES $475 MILLION IN CARES ACT FUNDING TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDING FOR WATER PROJECTS, POWER LINE PROJECTS, AND MORE

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President sufficient to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Myron Lizer approved over $475 million in CARES Act funding for Prevention COVID-19 guidelines. water line projects, power line projects, solar power projects, internet • $53.2 million for telecommunication and broadband expansion access to remote areas, business assistance, and more resources to projects for schools, higher educational institutions, and public help the Navajo people during the COVID-19 pandemic. facilities, to ensure Navajo students, educators, and employees have adequate broadband access and telecommunication The Nez-Lizer Administration approved the following funds in capacity while complying with “Safe at Home” public health Resolution CJY-67-20: orders and can communicate with public safety, healthcare, • $130 million for the Navajo Department of Water Resources and education. for water projects, including waterline and cistern projects, • $35.1 million for solar projects for Navajo homes within the water hauling, windmill repairs, water well infrastructure, boundaries of the Navajo Nation to ensure that they have earthen dams, and irrigation projects, which ensures that the access to electricity to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Navajo people have access to adequate and safe water to help • $1,000 for hardship assistance to help Navajo individuals and stop the spread of COVID-19. families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nez-Lizer • $44.2 million for powerline projects, including power line Administration will also propose another expenditure plan to capital projects and electrical line extensions, to ensure provide more hardship assistance for Navajo families and that Navajo homes and facilities have access to electricity individuals that have experienced financial burdens created

Office of the President and Vice President 9 by the pandemic. projects. The funds are best delivered to the Navajo Division • $828,637 for parks and recreation, including vendors and of Community Development, working with Navajo Chapters others, who experienced negative economic impacts from the or regional sanitation facilities. Redirecting the funds to the pandemic. Navajo Division of Community Development, working with • $42.1 million for payroll support pay expenses eligible under Chapters, will meet this objective. the U.S. Treasury guidance. • Striking $48,803,592 for payroll expenditures for the period • $24.6 million for Navajo Gaming Enterprise, who employ after July 1, 2020, this includes the 4th Quarter of the Fiscal over 1,100 Navajo citizens, to avoid lay-offs, loss of healthcare Year 2020, and from October 1 to December 30, 2020, this insurance, and to sustain business operations. consists of the 1st Quarter of the Fiscal Year 2021. The Nation • $9.6 million for the Judicial Branch to continue court services may consider other sources of funds for payroll for this time during the COVID-19 pandemic. period while making more funds available for direct services • $60 million for Navajo Nation Division of Economic to the Navajo People. The General Fund payroll expenditures Development to provide recovery and assistance for Navajo and 638 funded business units incurred through June 30, 2020, businesses and entrepreneurs, who were impacted by the remain in place. public health emergency. • Striking $33,423,914 for housing and housing improvement • $75.8 million for Navajo Department of Health to continue projects. The housing project gave $1,392,663.08 to each to provide COVID-19 related health care services, such as Council Delegate district, but there are not enough funds vaccinations, testing, alternative care services, traditional and in some Chapters to complete one house. There is doubt faith based services, and others, for the Navajo people. about completing housing projects by December 30, 2020. Therefore, a refinement on the housing funding will be “In the review of the funds provided in CJY-67-20, we undertaken and made equitable. considered the purposes of the projects, the timeframe to complete • Striking $20,008,798 to address additional Administration each project, the readiness of the projects, and all the requirements and compliance of CARES Act funds. The Navajo Nation’s necessary to carry out successful projects. Most importantly, the overall financial system includes other Departments who allocations have to comply with the federal CARES Act law and work together to process financial documents, set up federal have to be expended by December 30, 2020, as required by the budgets, and work with Divisions, Departments, Chapters, U.S. Treasury. The Administration had to prioritize projects and and contractors for requisitions and payments. We can provide services that reflect the immediate and essential needs of our Navajo an appropriation across the financial network, so our system people to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. is adequately funded for the proper personnel, contractors, Through the teachings of K’é (kinship), Nitsáhákees (thinking), and office equipment. We recommend a provision to include Nahat’á (planning), Iiná (life), and Sihasin (stability of restoration the Office of the Controller, the Office of Management and of balance and harmony through reflection), we can help each other Budget, and other departments of the financial system. to overcome any obstacle to restore Hozhó, balance, and harmony,” said President Nez. “The approval is a big win for the Nation. Our focus has to remain on those who need the funding the most, including our Navajo With the input from many experts in the field and discussions of families, elders, and vulnerable individuals. Our goal is to have all how to refine the plan, several portions were reduced, such as the the approved projects and direct services to be completed by the end following: of the year to help those in need. Some appropriations were reduced • The Broadband-Telecommunications Projects were or stricken due to the need for further analysis and discussion. We decreased by $15,000,000 for non-tribal owned Eligible look forward to leadership coming together to revisit these items Telecommunications Carriers. The Navajo Department of and refine the funding proposals that will directly assist the Navajo Information Technology could move immediately with a people,” added President Nez, “We commend the 24th Navajo preferred carrier recommended by Navajo leadership instead Nation Council for their long hours of dedication, discussions, and of an open-ended selection process. hard work to move the legislation through the process.” • The Solar Projects were reduced by $34,103,910 appropriated The total approved funding of $476,666,192 represents to the Native Renewables company. We believe a project approximately 72% approval of appropriated amounts. The focused on the efforts of Native Renewables working with remaining amount of $175,313,214, along with the previous balance families in the Former Bennett Freeze Area will fit the objective of $1,150,000.37 of the CARES Fund, provides $176,463,214.37 of bringing power to those who are in need and meeting the to create a second phase appropriation that will provide direct relief timeline for spending. There will be a new proposal for the services to our People. initiative. President Nez and Vice President Lizer stated that the • Striking $23,973,000 for solid waste projects across the second phase appropriation proposed plan would focus on immediate Navajo Nation. The Navajo Environmental Protection financial relief for Navajo individuals, families, and communities Agency is a regulatory agency for the Navajo Nation, and the impacted by the pandemic. The proposal will include college student Agency is not in the best position to carry out the solid waste relief, hardship assistance for students, emergency assistance for

10 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. Navajo members, elders and vulnerable individuals, propane and coronavirus has emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially natural gas services for elders, immediate internet connectivity for impacted many families. Therefore, we continue to develop plans families, additional solar projects, housing initiatives, and many that will directly help our people. The Administration pledges our more. commitment to work with the Navajo Nation Council to quickly “As we visited all 110 communities within the Navajo work on the second phase of CARES Act projects and getting more Nation, we heard the challenges and pleas of our Navajo people. The relief to our people,” said Vice President Lizer.

NAVAJO NATION BUSINESS AND ARTISANS ECONOMIC RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM AWARDS OVER $254,000 IN CARES ACT RELIEF FUNDS IN FIRST

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President two separate applications – one for businesses and one for Navajo Myron Lizer are pleased to report that the Navajo Nation Division of artisans. There is a two-step process, part one is the Navajo Business Economic Development, under the leadership of Executive Director Certification Application and step two is the relief grant application. JT Willie, has awarded over $254,000 in CARES Act funds during Applicants are required to complete their source list number in part the first week of the newly-created Navajo Nation Business and one in order to apply for part two. All information is located at www. Artisans Economic Relief Grant Program to assist Navajo businesses, navajoeconomy.org. Additional information is available on the entrepreneurs, and Navajo artisans facing financial hardship and/or Division of Economic Development’s Facebook page, along with business interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. live webinars regarding the application process. President Nez and Vice President Lizer approved $60 million, which was part of a $475 million CARES Act expenditure The following general eligibility requirements apply to all businesses plan approved by the 24th Navajo Nation Council, for the Business applying for financial assistance under this Navajo Business and Artisans Economic Relief Grant Program. According to Economic Relief Grant: Executive Director JT Willie, 159 artisans and business owners have • Business is facing a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 applied for the relief funds since the online application opened on public health emergency Sept. 7. So far, six Navajo-owned businesses and 33 Navajo artisans • Business is organized for profit and at least 51% owned by an have been awarded while 120 more applications are pending and enrolled member of under review. The Division of Economic Development held online • the Navajo Nation seminars and is currently scheduling appointments to provide • Business was in operation prior to January 1, 2020 guidance and assistance with the application process. • Business has less than 300 employees as of March 1, 2020 (for “We commend the Division of Economic Development the purpose of this requirement, each individual employee, for moving quickly to provide much-needed financial relief regardless of typical number of hours worked, and each opportunities for our Navajo entrepreneurs. They’ve done a great job owner, is considered one employee) in getting the information out to the public and providing assistance • Business is certified or to be certified or re-certified under with the application process, including hosting webinars to guide the Navajo Nation Business Source List as published by the applicants. We know that many businesses and artisans have dealt Navajo Business Regulatory Department (BRD). Website: with the economic downturn due to the pandemic and it is not just www.navajoeconomy.org here on the Navajo Nation, it is across the country. We encourage all business owners and artisans to take the initiative to apply for the The following general eligibility requirements apply to all artists relief funds,” said President Nez. and artisans applying for financial assistance under this Navajo Navajo artisans who meet the eligibility requirements can Artisan Relief Grant: receive up to $5,000 for financial emergencies defined as the lack • Business is certified or to be certified or re-certified under or imminent endangerment of essentials such as housing, medicine, the Navajo Nation Business Source List as published by the childcare, and food. Eligible businesses can receive as much as Navajo Business Regulatory Department (BRD). Website: $10,000 to $60,000. www.navajoeconomy.org “As a business owner, I understand the economic impacts • Organized as an artist in a medium or discipline in art or caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of keeping performance people employed to provide for them and their families. The • Artist or artisan is at least 18 years of age program that Director JT Willie and his team have developed is a • Artist or artisan must be an enrolled member of the Navajo great example for our other programs and we are optimistic that Nation many of our Navajo entrepreneurs will benefit from it and be able to • Artist or artisan must be able to demonstrate a sustained move their businesses forward. I encourage all businesses out there commitment to their to at least submit an application,” said Vice President Lizer. • work, careers, and public audience for their work The Division of Economic Development website includes • Artist or artisan is facing a financial hardship due to the

Office of the President and Vice President 11 12 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. COVID-19 pandemic grant to suffice their needs and continue to prosper their businesses,” • Independently owned and operated with annual gross sales Division of Economic Development Executive Director JT Willie revenue of $100,000 or less (artists or artisans who typically stated. earn over this amount each year should look into the Navajo Overall, the Navajo Nation received over $714 million in Business Economic Relief Grant) CARES Act funds: $600 million on May 6, $86 million on June 16, and $27 million on June 18. Approximately $537 million “We are very happy to have successfully fulfilled some in CARES Act funds has been approved and signed into law, goals we set to get the program going by August and to get checks leaving a remaining amount of $176 million, which the Nez-Lizer issued out by September. The team in place has been making this Administration is proposing to use fund to directly help Navajo process all possible – Douglas Capitan, Shaunya Manus, Coby Tom, students, elders, families, and others impacted by the COVID-19 and all our various offices from Business Regulatory to Regional pandemic through Legislation No. 0209-20. Business Department Offices. Our purpose is one overall goal – to For more information regarding the Navajo Nation get direct relief to those financially impacted by the COVID-19 Business and Artisans Economic Relief Grant Program, please pandemic. As a fellow artist and business owner, I fully understand contact the Division of Economic Development at (928) 871-6544 the hardships a business can face and now with our current situation or send an email to [email protected]. it makes it hard to sustain. It is hope that recipients will use this

“NAVAJO NATION CENSUS MONTH” PROCLAIMED BY NATION’S LEADERS

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President representation and our ability to advocate at every level of Myron Lizer signed a proclamation recognizing the month of government. We need more Navajo people to run for office at every September 2020 as “Navajo Nation Census Month,” to encourage level of government, but we also need the voting districts to support the Navajo people to participate in the 2020 Census to ensure a them. To create change and implement new policies that help our complete count of all citizens on the Navajo Nation. communities, we need the political capital to move in that direction Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau is required by and the 2020 Census is a key part of that,” said Vice President Lizer. the U.S. Constitution to conduct a count of the U.S. population. The Navajo Nation also created the Census 2020 Complete The federal government shortened this year’s census count by one Commission to coordinate and promote the census. The commission month by imposing a deadline of Sept. 30, 2020. As of the signing has met periodically throughout the year to mobilize census activities of the proclamation, only 17.9-percent of households on the Navajo and to disseminate census information, participate in events that Nation had been counted. raise awareness of the census, provide advocates to speak to local “The 2020 Census Count is a prime opportunity to improve government chapters and local events about the importance of the the future of our communities for generations to come. The Navajo census, support census staff, and encourage all Navajo citizens to people’s participation and response will shape how billions of participate. dollars in federal funds are distributed each year for tribal programs “I hope the signing of the Navajo Nation Census Month and grants for the next 10 years. The census also determines how proclamation will motivate our people to continue to report their congressional, state, county redistricting is determined. We have household information to the 2020 U.S. Census. Every 10 years we had several challenges in recent years in regards to redistricting, but are tasked with the responsibility of participating in the Census and our Nation’s goal is to strengthen our representation at all levels of when we report we directly become a part of history. When I was in government to benefit our citizens and communities,” said President college, I would often refer to the general population statistic of the Nez. Navajo Nation in my papers, but now that data is 10 years old. As a The Nez-Lizer Administration is also working closely Nation we have grown so much, so please, fill out the Census; mail with Census Area Office Manager Arbin Mitchell, to reach as many it in, call the Census number, or fill it out online. We can still provide Navajo elders as possible, especially those residing in rural areas, accurate numbers to the Federal government safely. This data will to fully inform them and to provide guidance to ensure they are help our future generations!” stated Nation Shaandiin counted in the census process. Parrish. The proclamation states, “the Census efforts on the Navajo The proclamation “recognizes the month of September Nation have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 as the “Navajo Nation Census Month,” to grow and build our and the Navajo Nation experienced a high COVID-19 infection rate future on our traditions and culture taught to us from the beginning in the country, and in response to the pandemic, the Navajo Nation of time, and we must ensure the Navajo Nation remains strong has diverted many resources to ensure the safety and well-being of to carry us for many more generations, and to ensure our Navajo the Navajo People.” People are counted to make an impact in the 2020 U.S. Census.” “The census count is very critical for our political You may self-respond for the 2020 Census online at

Office of the President and Vice President 13 https://2020census.gov or by calling (844) 330-2020. For more information, please visit the 2020 Census website.

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