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

AGENCY REPORT April 6, 2019

Prepared for: FT. DEFIANCE AGENCY COUNCIL FIRSTLY AHEE’HEE’

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

JONATHAN NEZ NAVAJO NATION PRESIDENT AGENCY REPORT

CONTENT

RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT 4

N.M. CAPITAL OUTLAY 5

NAHATA DZIIL SHOPPING CENTER 6

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY 7

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT 7

SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 8

NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM 9

DENNEHOTSO MARKET 9

NAVAJO GIRLS SCOUT VISIT 10

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION 11

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM 11

UNITED VOICE AT THE ARIZONA CAPITOL 12

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVOCACY 13

MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN 14

NAVY SHIPS 14

POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATION 15

#BUYNAVAJO #BUYLOCAL 16

Office of the President and Vice President 3 NEZ-LIZER PROCLAIM CLEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AS THE NAVAJO NATION’S TOP ENERGY PRIORITY Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued a historic proclamation during a ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock on April 2, stating that the Navajo Nation will pursue and prioritize clean renewable energy development for the long-term benefit of the Navajo people. The proclamation known as Navajo Hayoołkaał or Navajo Sunrise, was signed by President Nez and Vice President Lizer, to create a new economic vision for the Navajo people through healing the land, fostering clean energy development, and providing leadership for the energy market for the Navajo people. “The time is now for our Nation to transition and prioritize clean renewable energy. Our people, especially the younger law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, requiring public people, want change and that’s what the Nez-Lizer utilities to acquire renewable resources until electricity administration is committed to,” said President Nez. generation is 100-percent carbon-free by the year 2045. On March 21, the ’s The law also set aside funds for workforce development Naabik’íyáti’ Committee voted down legislation to and economic development opportunities. support the acquisition of the Navajo Generating Station “The world around us is moving ahead with and Kayenta Mine, a clear indication that the Navajo clean energy and the Navajo Nation cannot afford to be people want a new direction for energy development. left behind, especially when we have many sources of The proclamation states that the Nez-Lizer clean energy that can be harnessed to benefit our people,” administration will prioritize providing off-grid solar added Vice President Lizer. generated electricity to Navajo households that do not The Nez-Lizer administration supports have electricity and building new community and utility- amending the Navajo Energy Act of 2013, to include scale clean energy projects. Once this economic engine clean renewable energy as the Navajo Nation’s top energy is established, the administration will continue to secure priority and to create an energy office to oversee energy new investment and new jobs through ancillary industries projects and development. like the assembly of solar panels and racking systems, President Nez and Vice President Lizer also further solidifying its role as a leader in the clean energy thank Honorable Elmer P. Begay and Honorable Amber market. Kanazbah Crotty for joining them at the signing ceremony President Nez and Vice President Lizer further and speaking in support of providing renewable energy on state that the Nez-Lizer administration will support groups the Navajo Nation. that provide off-grid solar power and energy storage for The proclamation states that through the Diné Navajo households that do not have electricity. teaching of “T’áá hwó’ ajít’éego” and for the many who “We recognize that the Navajo Nation has been have called upon our Nation’s leaders to transition away providing electricity for the Western United States for from our overdependence on fossil fuels, the Navajo many years while many of our own people lack basic Nation will strive for a balanced energy portfolio and will access to power and running water,” the proclamation pursue and prioritize clean renewable energy development states. for the long-term benefit of the Navajo People and our They also referenced the “Energy Transition communities. Act” in the state of New Mexico, which was recently approved by the New Mexico Legislature and signed into

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

Office of the President and Vice President 5 NAHATA DZIIL COMMUNITY CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW SHOPPING CENTER Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice the Nez-Lizer administration’s “Buy Navajo, Buy Local” President Myron Lizer congratulated the community initiative. of Nahata Dziil as the Navajo Nation achieved another “Since taking office, we’ve been encouraging milestone with the completion of the Nahata Dziil everyone to support local businesses and Navajo Shopping Center. Hundreds of local residents and officials entrepreneurs through the notion of Buy Navajo, Buy gathered on April 3, to celebrate the grand opening of the Local and that’s exactly what this project represents,” new shopping center, which includes a Bashas’ grocery stated Vice President Lizer. store, Pizza Edge, and a laundromat. The shopping center is located near the The Navajo Nation Division of Economic Interstate-40 exit, which is a prime location for local Development’s Project Development Office worked hard residents and those traveling through the community. for years to address challenges including the need for a “Not only does this garner more tax revenue land exchange with the federal government for the site and creates jobs, but it also provides much needed food of the shopping center, the development of a new water products and services for local Navajo residents who source and wastewater system, and securing funds for the would otherwise have to drive to nearby border towns to construction of the shopping center. purchase products,” added President Nez, who added that “I am truly thankful to the staff at the Division of he is pleased to see the store offering many healthy fruits Economic Development and the Nahata Dziil Commission and vegetables for Navajo people. Governance for overcoming the many challenges over the The market was partially funded through the years in order to make this a success for the community of Permanent Trust Fund Income Five-Year Expenditure Nahata Dziil and the Navajo Nation,” said President Nez. Plan approved by the 23rd Navajo Nation Council and the According to the Division of Economic Office of the President and Vice President in 2016, which Development, future plans include the development of a allocated $150 million for economic development and gas station, convenience store, and a Dairy Queen, which agriculture development projects, and water infrastructure are currently under review by the Navajo Area Indian development from the annual interest earned from the Health Service Office of Environmental Health and principle. Engineering. The shopping center will create 120 new Members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council jobs and increase tax revenue for the Navajo Nation. in attendance included Speaker Seth Damon, Council Vice President Lizer, a long-time business Delegates Raymond Smith, Jr., and Otto Tso. owner, said the project is another big step forward for

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

ADMINISTRATION THANKS ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR JOINING THE DEFENSE OF THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice to defend the Indian Child Welfare Act in Brakeen v. President Myron Lizer commended Arizona Attorney Zinke. General Mark Brnovich for his recent announcement that In Oct. 2017, the state of Texas and a non-Indian Arizona is part of a bipartisan coalition of 19 states that foster family in Texas filed a complaint, in federal district filed an amicus brief in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals court, which challenged the constitutionality of the act

Office of the President and Vice President 7 and the 2016 ICWA regulations. The complaint was later Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, amended to include the states of Louisiana and Indiana Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New and additional foster families in Nevada and Minnesota. Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and Washington are also President Nez said the lower court’s decision part of the coalition that filed the amicus brief in the Fifth finding ICWA unconstitutional would drastically impact Circuit Court. the lives of American Indian children, including Navajo children. Vice President Myron Lizer added that the Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted to protect the best interests of American Indian children and to avoid displacement of children from birth families and their tribes. The states of California, Alaska, Colorado,

SENIOR CENTERS RECEIVE NEW TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY VANS President Jonathan Nez and officials from the Navajo Nation Division of Aging and Long-Term Care Support celebrated the arrival of new transportation vans and food delivery vehicles for senior centers in Window Rock on Feb. 13. The vans will be delivered to the five Navajo agencies to help Navajo elders that benefit from senior center services. President Nez said the gathering is the culmination of the collaborative efforts between the Navajo Nation Department of Health, Division of General Services, Division of Aging and Long-Term Care Support, and the Navajo Nation Council. He added that the new vans ensure that Navajo elders travel in safe and reliable transportation, and helps to provide meals to leadership to prioritize our elders,” said Delegate Crotty. Navajo elders in their homes who are unable to travel to The funds allowed the Nation to purchase 36 senior centers. new vehicles, which are gradually being delivered to the “Senior centers throughout the Nation provide central Fleet Management office where they will undergo door-to-door services and transportation to the senior inspections before being delivered to the five agencies centers for lunch, social gathering, or special events. across the Navajo Nation. They will also receive food Many of the existing vehicles have high mileage and in delivery vehicles, referred to as “hot shots,” that will need of repairs,” said President Nez. “Our senior centers be used to deliver meals to elders at their homes – each need these vans to provide effective services for our vehicle can hold up to 150 cold and hot meals. elderly population.” “The Nez-Lizer Administration recognizes that In April 2018, the 23rd Navajo Nation Council our Navajo elders play an important role in our families approved legislation sponsored by Council Delegate and communities. They carry on the knowledge of our Amber Kanazbah Crotty, which provided $2.8 million way of life and they bring us joy and comfort within from the Navajo Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated our families,so we must continue to provide adequate Fund Balance to the Division of Aging and Long-Term resources and services for them,” added President Nez. Care Support to fund needs assessments, equipment, food He also noted that the Division of General menu consultation, and the new vehicles. Services will develop policy to ensure that senior centers “Over the last several years, programs for elders receive vehicle repairs and new vehicles on a periodic have been chronically underfunded and often bear the basis to ensure the continued safety of Navajo elders and brunt of any shortfall in funding. This was an opportunity the availability of food delivery services. to provide more funding for essential services like food and especially vans for our seniors to be safe and to have reliable transportation and the ability to have access to food and resources. It’s about working together with

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

GRAND OPENING OF THE DENNEHOTSO MARKET Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer joined Dennehotso residents on Feb. 15, to celebrate the long-awaited completion of the Dennehotso Market during a grand opening ceremony. The new 6,700 square-foot facility houses a convenience store, gas station, deli, and laundromat located on the southeast corner of U.S. Hwy. 160 and Indian Route 6465. The $4.3 million project created 50 temporary construction jobs and an additional 20 permanent jobs with the opening of the new store, while providing goods and services to thousands of local Navajo residents, and many non-Navajo tourists that travel through the area each year. “Economic opportunity is a major part of the foods and hopes to see the community collaborate by Nez-Lizer priorities, and that entails everything that this creating more opportunities for Navajo entrepreneurs project represents – jobs for our people, generation of such as allowing local farmers to sell their goods onsite as revenue, and reinforcing the concept of ‘Buy Navajo, well. Buy Local’ throughout the Navajo Nation,” said President “We should never underestimate the ingenuity Nez. “Working together with the Dennehotso Chapter, the and entrepreneurial spirit of our Diné people,” said Navajo Nation Council, and the state of Arizona, we now President Nez. “We should always support them and have this new establishment that will benefit many of our assist them in reaching their full potential because when people. they succeed, our communities succeed as well.” President Nez is also pleased to see the store President Nez also thanked the stakeholders offering fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healthy who contributed to the project, including the Division of

Office of the President and Vice President 9 Economic Development, Dennehotso Chapter, local land the Navajo Nation. users, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Navajo Nation “Economic development and ‘Buy Navajo, Division of Transportation, Arizona Department of Buy Local’ are top priorities for the administration. Transportation, and Indian Health Service. It’s wonderful to see this project flourish and provide The market was partially funded through the necessary products and services for our people. Working Permanent Trust Fund Income Five-Year Expenditure with newly appointed director of the Division of Plan approved by the 23rdNavajo Nation Council and the Economic Development JT Willie, I’m sure we will see Office of the President and Vice President in 2016, which many more of these types of projects come to fruition,” allocated $150 million for economic development and said Vice President Lizer. agriculture development projects, and water infrastructure Division of Economic Development Executive development from the annual interest earned from the Director JT Willie said his team is undertaking the principle. The expenditure plan provided $2.8 million. planning and development of more economic opportunity Additionally, the Division of Economic projects in many communities, while working closely Development provided approximately $1.5 million from with local governments, enterprises, and departments. the Sales Tax Fund and Project Development General The market is now open to the public. Fund for the remaining cost of the project. Vice President Lizer also spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of economic growth and development, job creation, and supporting businesses on

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

10 http://www.opvp.navajo-nsn. SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez and Second advocate for more social workers, victim advocates, Lady Dottie Lizer attended the Domestic Violence support groups, counseling, and partnerships with Prevention Awareness and Fashion Show event on Feb. officers and legal assistance providers. 15, at the in Window Rock. The “The Navajo Nation needs to improve strategies event was hosted by the Strengthening Family Program to respond to domestic violence because it affects our under the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services, for society, especially our children. Children who witness the purpose of offering and instilling hope, empowerment, family violence become traumatized, which can impact healing, and resilience for Diné women, children, and men their education, and their physical and mental health. who are victims of various types of abuse and domestic Survivors of abuse also suffer the consequences of lost violence. financial support, and physical and mental health issues,” “As Navajo women, mothers, and spouses said Second Lady Lizer. “Most importantly, we need to we must recognize and understand the challenges that work to strengthen domestic violence provisions in our our Navajo families face every day. Many families and laws and prosecute offenders. Domestic violence has relationships within our communities experience severe to be at the forefront of our issues in order to break the physical and emotional abuse. Our goal is to put a stop cycle.” to the violence before it begins,” said First Lady Herbert- For more information regarding domestic Nez. “It begins with the healing of our homes. We need to violence services and resources, please visit the bring our families back to the foundation of prayer, faith, Strengthening Families Program’s website at: and empowerment.” http://www.nndss.navajonsn.gov/DSSPrograms/ First Lady added that families and communities StrengtheningFamiliesProgram/SFPHome.aspx or call need to work and communicate collaboratively to promote the crisis line at (505) 368-1157. healthy practices of discipline, nurturant, and compassion within their homes. Second Lady Lizer focused on the need to

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM RECEIVES NEW DELIVERY TRUCKS On March 4, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Rock to greet the President and offer their appreciation Nez presented the keys to four new delivery trucks to for his support of a grant application that enabled the the Navajo Nation Food Distribution Program, which program to receive approximately $847,000 through the is a program that provides USDA foods to low-income USDA, which was used to purchase the four new trucks. households including many Navajo elderly people “We are very thankful to President Nez for residing on the Navajo Nation. According to Program helping us with the application when he was Vice Manager Claudeen Tallwood, over 8,000 Navajo families President and we are happy to have four new delivery receive assistance through the program each month. vehicles as a result,” said Tallwood. Tallwood and several other employees were at The four new delivery trucks will join a fleet the Equipment and Fleet Maintenance Shop in Church of existing vehicles used to transport food from six

Office of the President and Vice President 11 warehouses located on the Navajo Nation to chapter houses, where low-income families receive the food products. The warehouses are located in the communities of Fort Defiance, Teecnospos, Crownpoint, Leupp, Mexican Springs, and Kirtland. “As a kid, I remember eating commodity cheese and many of the other food products that we received through the Food Distribution Program. To this day, the program continues to help many of our families across the Nation,” stated President Nez. “I congratulate the program’s employees and I thank them for their hard work.” Maintenance workers said some of the program’s “We don’t always hear about the good work that vehicles and equipment have been in use since the 1970’s, our Navajo people are doing, so it’s great to know that this which require the program to spend a large portion of their particular program is benefitting thousands of our people. funds for maintenance and repairs to keep the equipment The Nez-Lizer Administration is dedicated to supporting in operation. Tallwood said she continues looking into these types of programs and their employees,” added other grants through the USDA that might provide President Nez. additional benefits and assistance to Navajo families and to their program.

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

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

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

Office of the President and Vice President 13 FIRST LADY AND SECOND LADY SUPPORT ARIZONA BILL TO CREATE THE FIRST STUDY COMMITTEE ON MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Nez and Second Lady Dottie Lizer visited the Arizona House of Representatives to offer their support of H.B. 2570 on March 11, which would create the first study committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in the state of Arizona. The bill was introduced by Arizona Rep. Jennifer Jermaine (LD-18) to determine how to reduce and end violence against Indigenous women and girls in the state. First Lady Nez and Second Lady Lizer stated that the bill is fully supported by the Nez-Lizer Administration as a step to protecting all Indigenous women, including Navajo women and girls, and to shed light on cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women. “Our Native women are the center of our including poor data collection, lack of prosecution, and societies and they offer nurturement, comfort, and love. the lack of coordination with law enforcement. With the However, an alarming number of Native women and girls passage of H.B. 2570, we are hopeful that we can work disappear or fall victim to murder each year. Our Native together to advocate and secure resources and funding to women are murdered at a higher rate than the national address this devastating issue,” said Second Lady Lizer. average and more likely to experience violent crimes, According to the bill, upon completion of the rape, and sexual assault,” said First Lady Nez. “This bill study, the committee would propose measures to ensure could help address the absence of studies on the issue and access to culturally appropriate victim services for to gain a true understanding of the problem.” Indigenous women and girls who have been victims of If approved, the study committee would establish violence. The committee will also submit a report with methods for tracking and collecting data on violence policy recommendations to address the issues identified against Indigenous women and girls. Furthermore, the in the study. committee would review policies, practices, prosecutorial The Arizona House of Representatives passed practices, and barriers to track violent crimes committed H.B. 2570 with a unanimous vote of 60-0. The bill will be against Indigenous women and girls. considered by the full Senate next. “A number of factors contribute to the problem

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

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

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

Office of the President and Vice President 15 In a show of support for the officers, President They will need our endless support and love. Let’s work Nez and Vice President Lizer joined the recruits on together and be there for them as a relative, neighbor, and Thursday for the group’s final police academy run through friend,” said Vice President Lizer. the community of Chinle. The 16 police officer recruits took the oath of “We congratulate and commend the Navajo honor while their loved ones participated in the pinning Nation Division of Public Safety and the Navajo Police of the Navajo Police Department badge. The 16 Navajo Department for supporting the new officers. It will be Nation recruits include: physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging for the • Juliowna D. Begay, Chinle Police District new officers and their loved ones. However, through prayer • Terrence C. Benally, Shiprock Police District and the support of their families I am confident they will • Shawna A. Watchman, Window Rock Police District serve and protect our communities well,” said President • Dwayne P. Hogue, Crownpoint Police District Nez. “Our young officers have the opportunity to restore • Aaron M. Long, Window Rock Police District respect and trust of authority within our communities • Adrian L. Wauneka, Window Rock Police District through compassion, patience, and discipline.” • Albert Calamity, Jr., Crownpoint Police District Class 53 is the second group of recruits to • Paige K. Begay, Kayenta Police District graduate from the newly established Navajo Police • Kolby L. Bagey, Kayenta Police District Training Academy within the last two years. The academy • Derick H. Toadlena, Chinle Police District integrates Diné Fundamental Law, as well as state and • Danielle K. Murdock, Shiprock Police District federal laws into the training curriculum. Additionally, the • Joseph J. Locaspino, Window Rock Police District police officers also earned their federal police commission • Christopher D. Cohoe, Crownpoint Police District by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the • Dwyatt C. Holiday, Kayenta Police District Indian Police Academy and received 24 college credits • Leah M. Hatathlie, Tuba City Police District from Navajo Technical University. • Joshua F. Martinez Najera, Tuba City Police District “Our new officers are entering into a new world The 16 police officers will start their duty as of challenges and opportunities. I challenge everyone to Navajo police officers within their designated districts pray for our officers and first responders. They witness immediately. incidents that some of us cannot bear to see or to think of.

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

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