Naat’ájí Nahat’á Hane’ Legislative Branch News 24th Nation Council Spring Council Session - April 2019

Navajo Nation Council Honors Wilhelmina Yazzie on Behalf of the for Contributions to Navajo New Mexico students

On its opening day, the Navajo Nation Crotty (Beclabito, Cove, Gadi’i’áhi/To’Koi, learner (ELL), and students with disabilities— Council honored Wilhelmina Yazzie, lead Red Valley, Tooh Haltsooi, Toadlena/Two the programs and services necessary for them plaintiff in the Yazzie/Martinez v. State of Grey Hills, Tséałnáoz’t’I’í) announced to the to learn and thrive and challenged the state’s New Mexico case for her contributions to the chamber audience. failure to suffi ciently fund these programs and education of New Mexico students. According to the N.M. Center on Law services.” “We want to recognize Ms. Yazzie for and Policy, the lawsuit “challenged the state’s First Judicial District Judge Sarah her fi erceness, for her advocacy for all at- failure to provide students—especially low- Singleton ruled on July 20, 2018 that the state risk students,” Delegate Amber Kanazbah income, Native American, English language was failing to meet its obligation, in violation See “YAZZIE MARTINEZ”, Page 2 Navajo High School Sports and Academic Teams Honored by Council for Exceptional Winter Results The 24th recognized championship win this winter. three high school groups at its spring session that “You young ladies have brought Page, Ariz., excelled in several tournaments and competitions onto the international map,” said Delegate Paul this past quarter. Begay (Bodaway/Gap, Coppermine, K’ai’bii’tó, GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONS LeChee, Tonalea). “We don’t do these recognitions The Page High School girls basketball just to highlight you guys because the road does not champions brought their Arizona Interscholastic end with that. We want you to go to the next level.” Association trophy to the historic Navajo Council The No. 2 seed Page Lady Sand Devils Chamber April 16 where they were recognized defeated No. 4 Holbrook, 46-33, in the Feb. 23rd The Page High School girls basketball team is honored by by council delegates for their Conference 3A championship game. Delegate Paul Begay for their championship victory. See “YOUTH HONORS”, Page 4

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1 Delegate Crotty. YAZZIE MARTINEZ / cont. from Page 1 “I want to thank the leadership, but most of the state constitution, to ensure that all New Grisham.” importantly I want to thank you all on the front lines. Mexico students are career and college ready. In closing remarks at Yazzie’s recognition, Our law enforcement officers, social workers, and those “All we wanted for our children is to Delegate Daniel Tso (Baca/Prewitt, Casamero working with out elders,” stated Speaker Damon. have adequate education opportunities and Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Council leadership thanked participants for resources comparable to the bigger schools,” Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, WhitehorseLake) taking part in the awareness walk. Delegate Crotty said Yazzie shared to the Council. expressed his sincere appreciation for Yazzie’s that in the last five years the Navajo Nation Council Yazzie explained that teachers are groundbreaking work. was able to pass key legislations that addressed human second parents to their pupils. From her sons’ “Again, thank you Ms. Yazzie. We are trafficking, AMBER Alert, cyberbullying, and revenge experiences, they were not receiving adequate grateful for setting this precedent for all the porn. cultural and language learning resources. Native and Hispanic parents and children. She also stressed that moving forward, “I want to say thank you for this special Your name will be long recognized and the Council would need to begin developing and recognition...I want to extend to the Navajo will be forever remembered historically by supporting projects such as a proposed database Nation Council leadership and Speaker of the our children, parents, and grandparents,” center that would house data and research relating Navajo Nation Council to continue to support Delegate Tso stated. to Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives, sexual and our children and provide for educational domestic violence, and other crucial steps that would opportunities for them. I see our Navajo aid the Nation in understanding problem areas and to children abandoning their cultural values and aid with effective policy development. moving into the western philosophy…Protect The proposed database center would be a our children and continue to teach them their collaborative effort between the Navajo programs culture and language. They are precious and such as the Epidemiology Center, Social Services, valuable. My late mother passionately taught and academic institutions such as Diné College and these values to us,” Yazzie shared with the Northern Arizona University. Delegate Crotty stated Council. that conversations have begun to start planning for a The next day in Council, Indian Affairs database center and is seeking support from Navajo Dept. Sec. Lynn Trujillo said the state did not leadership. intend to appeal the case. Delegate Otto Tso stated that prevention work “We definitely want to work with the starts at home. Nation to better understand what are some of “It starts in the home. Whether you’re a mother, the needs of the students,” Trujillo said. “We father, uncle, or aunt, it’s your responsibility to teach need to work with the Nation and other tribal Left to right: Delegates Nelson BeGaye, Paul Begay, and Kee Allen these things,” Delegate Tso stated. sovereignties with regards to early childhood Begay rise to applaud Wilhelmina Yazzie for her groundbreaking Also in attendance at the SAAM awareness lawsuit on behalf of at-risk New Mexico children. education. This is a priority of Gov. Lujan event were President Jonathan Nez, the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch, the Navajo Nation Strengthening Families Program, the Navajo Nation Division of Social Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Services, Casey Family Programs, and Southwest Indigenous Women’s Coalition. Awareness Walk Enters Fifth Year More information may be found at startbybelieving.org. At the start of the 2019 Spring Council Session, part of everyday interactions. Council Delegates Amber Kanazbah Crotty, Nathaniel Delegate Crotty said the goal of the awareness Brown (Chilchinbeto, Dennehotso, Kayenta), Eugenia walk was to promote awareness of sexual assault Charles-Newton (), Charlaine Tso (Mexican issues and to kick-off a Navajo Nation-wide campaign Water, Aneth, Teecnospos, Tółikan, Red Mesa), Otto entitled “Start by Believing,” which encourages Navajo Tso (Tó Nanees Dizí), and Wilson Stewart, Jr. (Crystal, communities to positively respond to sexual assault Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill), and Speaker Seth claims and support survivors who were victims of sexual Damon (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, , Tsé Lichíí’, violence. Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) took part in the annual Sexual “In Crownpoint, we kicked-off a Start by Assault Awareness Month walk in Window Rock. Believing campaign. We need to recognize the traumas Joining leadership, Navajo programs, and the pain within communities, and how we can help coalitions, and community advocates participated in each other so that we do not inflict lateral violence on the walk that concluded at the Navajo Nation Council each other. When we put down a prayer this morning, Chamber. Nationally, April is recognized as the Sexual it was a foundation for us to bring this to life and put it Assault Awareness Month and the 2019 theme is into motion. You don’t need to be an elected leader— entitled “I Ask,” which champions the message that you are a leader in your home and a leader in your Delegate Charlaine Tso addresses the walk participants before asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary communities. It starts by believing our survivors,” said the start of the spring session on Monday, April 15, 2019

2 National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Presents Before Navajo Nation Council

National Indian Gaming Association Chairman and National Spokesman Ernie Stevens presented before the Council Tuesday morning on the current state of Indian gaming and the Navajo Nation’s contribution to the national gaming landscape. Chairman Stevens is in his ninth two- year term leading NIGA. In his opening remarks, Chairman Stevens highlighted how his father worked on the Navajo Nation in several stints. “He told me of the power that emanates from this building and its leadership,” Chairman Stevens stated to the Council. At the Reservation Economic Summit, Speaker Damon invited Chairman Stevens to introduce himself to the 24th Council and meet the newly elected Navajo legislators. During his leadership of NIGA, Indian gaming has grown to eclipse commercial gaming in the United States, rising from $11 billion in 2000 to over $37.7 billion last year.

In his speech, the chairman cited National Indian Gaming Association Chairman and National Spokeman Ernie Stevens (center) presents before the Navajo Nation the immense contributions Indian gaming Council on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. Deena Jackson (left), managing partner of Zion Enterprises, which works with NIGA, and NIGA has made to tribal governments, state Executive Director Jason Giles (right) joined Chairman Stevens in his presentation governments, and the national economy. The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Jason Giles, the NIGA executive Overall, Indian gaming is the 13th employs approximately 1,200 employees. director, provided a legislative update to largest employer in the United States and Eighty-four percent of NNGE’s employees the Council, focusing on the Tribal Labor employs 308,000 persons, 74 percent of are Navajo and 72 percent of the NNGE’s Sovereignty Act (H.R. 779, S. 226). whom are non-Indian. managers are Navajo. “The [National Labor Relations Board] Though, Chairman Stevens noted, on “In a very short period of time, the cannot come out to Window Rock and tell the Navajo Nation the statistics are reversed. Navajo Nation has progressed to the top of you how to treat your employees,” Giles said. the industry,” Chairman “We’ve always held up the Navajo Nation as Stevens shared with the an example of how a tribe can have strong Council. labor laws, protect its workers, and look out Tribal government for people who come to the reservation.” gaming’s contributions to In February, Speaker Damon spoke economic development with Bloomberg News on the need to pass in Indian Country has the labor act. made tribal governments “How tribal governments operate and solvent and supported deliver the critical services of government the expansion of tribal are the business of tribal members and their government services. leadership,” Navajo Nation Council Speaker The chairman Seth Damon told Bloomberg. “Whether acknowledged how his tribal governments deliver such services via father, who is in a tribal tribally owned enterprises, public agencies, or nursing home, would not through other structures, is a matter that only be able to receive the tribes are capable of determining.” care he requires without Left to right: NNGE consultant Harold Wauneka, CFO Richard Williamson, Speaker Seth a tribal government Damon, NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Delegate Otto Tso, and NNGE CEO Brian D. Parrish subsidy funded by gaming pose in front of the Council Chamber after Stevens’ remarks to the Council on April 16, 2019. revenues.

3 Speaker Damon Highlights Council’s Advocacy and Community Engagement in Report Delivered First Day of Spring Session

On Monday, Navajo Nation Council Tachee, Tselani/Cottonwood) brought forth Speaker Seth Damon presented the Speaker’s an orientation for his colleagues on FirstNet Report to his colleagues on the Navajo Nation implementation. The orientation explained the Council. They voted to accept the report as a timeline for implementing the first responders’ written report 12-6. telecommunications network and also provided In his report, Speaker Damon highlighted an opportunity for delegates to advocate for the how the Council began orientations on their needs of their communities. respective oversight jurisdictional entities, On March 28, the Council passed advanced out of committee executive and NABIMA-20-19 which creates the Plan of legislative branch nominations, advocated Operations for the Navajo Nation Complete before county, state, and federal partners, and Count Commission for the 2020 Census. introduced new and innovative legislations — The report also highlights the work of all while working on the issues related to the the Legislative Branch’s programs. Over the potential closure or acquisition of the Navajo past two months, the Navajo Nation Human Generating Station (NGS) and Peabody Kayenta Rights Commission (NNHRC), a unit of the Mine. Legislative Branch, held nine public hearings to Speaker Damon also noted several of the assess mistreatment toward Navajo and Native initiatives spurred by his colleagues over the last American students in border towns and regional quarter. cities. In March, Delegate Kee Allen Begay, Jr. Delegate Jamie Henio (Alamo, Ramah, (Low Mountain, Many Farms, Nazlini, Blue Gap/ Tóhajiilee) attended the Gallup hearing and Navajo Nation Council Speaker Seth Damon See “SPEAKER’S REPORT”, Page 6 YOUTH HONORS / cont. from Page 1

“A lot of the girls in our region are able to “We encourage our young people to go out Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty invited play at the next level,” Head Coach Ryan Whitehorse and get an education. We encourage them to go out the team to be recognized in conjunction with Rickie told delegates. He added that the 14 girls on the and do the best that they can then come back to Nez (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, T’iis Tsoh team have an average 3.45 GPA, with four girls each be a part of our nation, to work within our nation,” Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland). having a 4.0 GPA. Delegate Stewart said. “We need to do the best that No. 3 seed Newcomb advanced to the Delegate Begay also told the council the we can to encourage them and to mentor them.” March 16 championship game after a nail-biting Page boys wrestling team sent three students to the DECA is an extracurricular activity where semi-finals game where they squeaked by with a 50- state tournament, and all three returned home as students learn a hands-on approach to understanding 48 win against Mesilla Valley Christian School. In the Conference D4 champions. business in an economic environment. Students who championship game, Newcomb succumbed to No. Zachery Ruiz won the 113 lb. weight division aspire to become business leaders gain experience 1 seed Pecos with a 58-37 loss. state championship, as did Kimball Begay in the 195 in marketing and commerce in the club, faculty “This year was very magical. They know I lb. division, and Cheyenne Richardson in the 285 lb. advisor Tyrell Harvey told council delegates. don’t take credit for the wins. They take care of the division. Overall, the school placed 4th out of 46 in “We competed in 12 events, and we won six wins, and the coaches take care of the losses,” Head team scores. of them,” Harvey said. “More than 2,600 students Coach Dominique Richardson told Council. “They DECA TEAM HEADING TO INTERNATIONALS compete at these events, of which we had 11 win. had 29 wins this year. The most in school history by Window Rock High School students Only 240 students get to compete at the international far. It’s all about their dedication and to their families belonging to the school’s DECA program recently level.” who support them.” scored very high in a statewide competition. They Students will travel to compete in Orlando, COWBOYS will be competing on the international stage against Fla. at the International Career Development Two young cowboys, Hanson King and students from nine other countries and all 50 U.S. Conference this weekend. Kellen Yellowhair, left their ponies at home and states this weekend. NEWCOMB BOYS BASKETBALL came to the council chambers to be recognized for The 11 students and their advisor were The Newcomb High School boys basketball winning state and national titles in multiple rodeo introduced to the council April 16 by Delegate team was recognized by the Council on the third day events from Birdsprings, Ariz., to Amarillo, Texas. Wilson C. Stewart, Jr. (Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red of the spring session for reaching the Class 2A state Delegates Nelson BeGaye, Wilson Stewart, Jr., and Lake, Sawmill). championship game. Jimmy Yellowhair presented the honors.

4 Con rmation of Executive Agency Appointments Approved, Agency Concerns Brought Forth by Council Delegates

The 24th Navajo Nation Council Affairs to install more power lines. Legislation 0011-19, Confirmation of kick-started its first council session with 13 Delegate Otto Tso had concerns with Mr. Garret Silversmith as Division Director for legislations for consideration with most of revamping Title 3, the code mainly dealing Navajo Division of Transportation them executive appointment confirmations. with agriculture laws, and the need to allow Mr. Silversmith was the incumbent While those seeking confirmation had time the sale of agricultural products direct from director seeking confirmation by the council. to address the council, many responses were Navajo farmers to local grocery stores. Delegate Nelson S. BeGaye (Lukachukai, Rock promised in email form. “We don’t export anything. The only Point, Round Rock, Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tsé Legislation 0009-19, Confirmation thing that goes to the markets are from Ch’izhí) asked Mr. Silversmith what the council of Dr. Rudy Shebala as Division of Natural the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry,” can leverage to assist the NDOT. Resources executive director Delegate Tso said. “We should be bringing “We need to think outside the box. Dr. Shebala earned his degrees from USDA inspectors so our local farmers can sell What to leverage? Whether it’s bonding, the the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Animal to supermarkets like Bashas’ and other local Permanent Trust Fund, the Siihasin Fund...that Science, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in environmental supermarkets.” is the only way we are going to put a dent on science with a concentration in Horses and Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty had the roads,” Delegate BeGaye said. Grazing. concerns with feral horses on the Nation and “Could the council put together some On the council floor, Delegate Raymond the need to deal with the issue in a sensible kind of stimulus package to address roads Smith, Jr. (Houck, Klagetoh, Nahat’a Dziil, Tsé way. across the Navajo Nation?” said Delegate Si’áni, Wide Ruins) emphasized Navajo Nation “Horses are not the issue; we are the Kee Allen Begay, Jr. (Low Mountain, Many rangers needed to be recognized with the issue,” Delegate Crotty said. Farms, Nazlini, Blue Gap/Tachee, Tselani/ same distinction as Navajo Nation and The council confirmed Dr. Shebala by Cottonwood). that his department needs to work on getting unanimous consent. Mr. Silversmith was confirmed by right-of-ways by collaborating with the Navajo unanimous consent. Tribal Utility Authority and the Bureau of Indian See “CONFIRMATIONS”, Page 6 Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority Pays Dividend

The first day of the Spring Session was all green thanks to a $500,000 dividend check presented to the Navajo Nation by the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority. NECA, as the company is commonly called, employs 254 people on the Navajo Nation and has been in operation since 1972. When it was established, the Council’s only investment consisted of a few pieces of used equipment. Since then NECA has constructed over $1.2 billion worth of projects. Including the $500,000, NECA has contributed $18.3 million to the Navajo Nation Government in dividend payments, much of it directed to scholarships. NECA has also awarded $567K in scholarships through its internal scholarship program. Left to right: Wallace McGilbert (Board), Ernest Hubbell (Board), Ronson Chee (Board), Buu Van Nygren (Director of Business “We do contribute and we are an Development), President Jonathan Nez, Miss Ganado Penelope Joe, Speaker Seth Damon, Stanley Yazzie (Board President), Derrick integral part of the Navajo Nation,” NECA Zahne (CFO), Terrill Harvey (Board), Cary Patterson (CEO). board president Stanley Yazzie stated to the Delegate Jamie Henio (Alamo, Ramah, finances. “At this time of decreasing revenues, audience in the council chamber. Tóhajiilee), chair of the Council’s Budget NECA’s steady pace of contributions is greatly NECA primarily performs road and Finance Committee, thanked NECA for appreciated,” stated Delegate Henio. construction, water line, and sewer line their continued contributions to the nation’s projects for Navajo Nation residents.

5 SPEAKER’S REPORT CONFIRMATIONS / cont. from Page 5

/ cont. from Page 4 Legislation 0018-19, Confirmation of Dennehotso that were mismanaging money, Mr. Lomardo Aseret as executive director of and their predecessor felt they were the judge, the Division of General Services jury and prosecutor, and didn’t continue spoke before the commission and attendees. Mr. Lomardo Aseret has many years prosecution,” Delegate Brown said. “How will He emphasized how important the NNHRC’s experience working with Salt River Project / you make sure that justice is there for Navajo hearings and findings are and that he would Navajo Generating Station and was seeking people?” work to amplify the work of the commission. confirmation with the Dept. of General Delegate Elmer Begay (Dilkon, In the second quarter report, the speaker Services, which provides support services to Greasewood Springs, Indian Wells, Teesto, underscored how two communities benefited the Nation that include programs like fleet Whitecone) conveyed to Dr. Yellowman that from the advocacy of returning delegates. management, facilities maintenance, Navajo local governmental support centers were Both Dennehotso and Nahata’ Dziil celebrated Transit System, and records management. replaced as a part of decentralization. The the opening of two economic development idea was to have each chapter stand on its enterprises, led by Delegates Nathaniel Brown own two feet, and that they wanted to be self- and Raymond Smith, Jr. respectively. sustainable, he said. At the Dennehotso convenience store The council confirmed Dr. Yellowman opening, Delegate Brown documented his by unanimous consent. community’s struggle to obtain a place to buy Legislation 0013-19, Confirmation of basic necessities. At the Nahata’ Dziil Bashas’ Jesse Delmar as Navajo Nation Division of and shopping center opening, Delegate Smith Public Safety linked the development of the commerce center Mr. Delmar has served in this position to broadening economic opportunity along I-40 since May 2015. Delegate Otto Tso pointed and within Nahata’ Dziil. out that DPS has progressed since the Ben As a part of the report, the speaker Shelley presidential administration. Delegate Edmund Yazzie questions NN EPA appointmentee sought to allay fears on the FY 2020 budget, Oliver Whaley during his confirmation hearing before the full “For 20 years Navajo Nation did not emphasizing that there is projected to be a $5.4 council have a chief of police; it was always acting million increase in revenue, according to the Delegate Mark Freeland (Becenti, chief,” Delegate Tso said. “I cannot vote Office of the Controller. Crownpoint, Huerfano, Lake Valley, Nageezi, against you. If I do, what’s going to be at risk Though, during the floor discussion on Nahodishgish, Tse’ii’ahí, Whiterock) asked Mr. is the safety of the people. You’re an asset to Monday, Delegate Herman Daniels noted that Aseret what his plan is to bring more funding the Navajo people.” in his community and the areas surrounding to Navajo Transit from the states that the Delegate Smith asked about 638 NGS and Kayenta Mine there will be serious Navajo Nation is in to re-establish bus service contracts and getting more funding from economic hardship for Navajo citizens who may to communities on the Nation. Washington to get more officers. He said have to leave to find work elsewhere. “There’s no more services from Window there is bootlegging happening on the Nation As a response to this concern, the Rock to Crownpoint. If you have a CDL, you and having a drug enforcement team is vital. Speaker Damon stressed the need to be good can get better pay somewhere else,” Delegate The council voted 18-2 to confirm Mr. relatives in this upcoming time of need for some Freeland said. Delmar. Navajo families. Delegate Herman Daniels (Shonto, Legislation 0017-19, Confirmation “The impending closure of NGS and Naa’tsis’áán, Oljato, Ts’áh Bii Kin) asked more of Ms. Doreen N. McPaul as Navajo Nation Kayenta Mine brings forth many deep concerns oversight for the transit system and that more Attorney General for hundreds, if not thousands, of Navajo routes should be planned to heavy traffic areas Ms. McPaul earned her Juris Doctorate families. During this transition period, I ask that such as to Diné College. from Arizona State University College of Law all Navajo citizens exercise K’é and extend their Mr. Aseret was confirmed by the council and has been the assistant attorney general compassion and warmth to those who may be by unanimous consent. for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson, Ariz. facing serious need soon,” Speaker Damon said Legislation 0012-19, Confirmation of since August 2017. in his report. Dr. Pearl Yellowman as Division of Community Delegate Crotty wanted questions Before accepting the report as a written Development director answered about receiving reports from the report, Delegate Otto Tso extended his Dr. Yellowman brings educational FBI, a Diné action plan, and how she felt that appreciation for the Speaker’s first quarter of experience from the University of Montana the Nation was “very lean on victims’ rights.” leadership. with an M.A. in counseling education, and an The council confirmed Ms. McPaul by “He works with us each individually and M.Ed. and Ed.D. in educational leadership. unanimous consent. we know that speaker has been fighting on The question of chapters mismanaging See “CONFIRMATIONS”, Page 9 Navajo’s behalf. That’s key,” Delegate Tso stated money was brought forth by Delegate before voting to accept the Speaker’s Report. Nathaniel Brown. “There were chapter officials in

6 N.M. State Indian Aairs Secretary Outlines Priorities before Council

The Navajo Nation Council received outlay projects. We had recon meetings with a report from the N.M. Indian Affairs many chapter officials,” Trujillo said. cabinet secretary on the state’s plan to work Another state fund available to the collaboratively on several priority issues with Nation is the Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF), the Nation. which is used to fund critical infrastructure Lynn Trujillo, Indian Affairs cabinet needs. About $14 million is available to all secretary for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, tribal nations in the state but there is currently spoke to council delegates April 16, laying out no Navajo representation on the TIF board. the state’s plan to assist the Nation in capital Trujillo told delegates the governor is expected outlay, human rights, economic development, to make appointments to the TIF board to fill and most recently the state’s follow-up to the all vacancies by the end of the month. Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico case. The secretary briefly talked about Delegate Mark Freeland (pictured) initially reached out to The cabinet secretary said the state did protecting natural resources and sacred sites Secretary Trujillo on a potential presentation to the Council. not intend to appeal the case and that a lot of like Chaco Canyon. The department is also that is impacting tribal communities. work and questions are being asked within the working in collaboration with the NMDOT “We will need to identify task force state’s public education department. secretary to address the needs of the Nation’s members and submit those names to the Trujillo told delegates the 2019 roads. governor for appointment,” Trujillo said. “We legislative session was a successful, historic Economic development is a big part look forward to working with the Nation; I session with respect to the amount of capital of the department’s plan to work with Navajo know that Council Delegate Crotty has been outlay all tribal communities received. Nation. Plans are in the works to help with very vocal and active with respect to this She said the Navajo Nation is expected viable economic development options near issue.” to receive $21.6 million and 65 capital outlay the Four Corners Generating Plant and its Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty projects are in the works for the Nation’s New impending closure. (Beclabito, Cove, Gadi’i’áhi/To’Koi, Red Valley, Mexico communities that will improve water On the human rights front, Trujillo said Tooh Haltsooi, Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Tsé issues, road projects, schools, and refurbishing HB 278 was signed into law directing the state ałnáoz’t’I’í) has sponsored several resolutions chapter houses. Indian Affairs Department to form a taskforce in council committees supporting HB 278, “We are very excited and committed in to address the Missing and Murdered and Arizona HB 2570, which would establish working with the Nation in relation to capital Indigenous Women epidemic and the crisis a study committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The last issue brought up was the governor signing the hemp bill into law, which provides for another means of economic development options for tribal nations in New Mexico. Trujillo said she is excited that her department will work with the Nation to address these priorities before the start of the next legislative session, which is a short 30-day session in January 2020. She said her department looks forward to an invitation to Navajo communities and for guidance on how Indian Affairs can better serve the Navajo Nation. “I think this is a very important day because our relationship as government to government is getting much more stronger,” said Delegate Mark Freeland (Becenti, Crownpoint, Huerfano, Lake Valley, Nageezi, Nahodishgish, Tse’ii’ahí, Whiterock). “I think it’s good to set a precedence. New Mexico Indian Affairs is going to be a very important partner to the Navajo Nation.” N.M. Indian Affairs Dept. Secretary Lynn Trujillo speaks before the Council on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. She was joined by Deputy Secretary Nadine Padilla, who is a Navajo citizen.

7 Picture Highlights of the 2019 Spring Council Session

Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle Community Grant School is recognized for 50 years of operations by Delegate Mark Freeland The Department of Aging and Long Term Care Services Foster Grandparent Program was honored on the first day of the spring session.

Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness walk participants raise their signs in front of the Delegates Amber Kanazbah Crotty and Rickie Nez congratulate the Newcomb High School boys basketball team Council Chamber Monday, April 15, 2019. for their accomplishments in the state tournament. The team advanced to the championship game.

Delegate Jimmy Yellowhair (top left) and Speaker Seth Damon (top right) pose with youth cowboys Kellen Autumn June Montoya presents to the council on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. She focused her Yellowhair (bottom left) and Hanson King (bottom right). Delegates Yellowhair and Nelson BeGaye invited the presentation on the priorities of her office, how to modernize her office, and funding support. cowboys to be honored for their rodeo achievements.

8 CONFIRMATIONS / cont. from Page 6 Legislation 0022-19, Confirmation of degree in Educational Leadership for Change Mr. JT J. Willie as Navajo Nation Division of from Fielding Graduate University. Her recent Economic Development executive director position was human resource director at Mr. Willie earned a Bachelor of Navajo Technical University. Business Administration and a Masters of Delegate Vince R. James (Jeddito, Public Administration from the University of Cornfields, Ganado, Kin Dah Łichíí, New Mexico. His last position was working as Steamboat) mentioned that he hopes the director of marketing for Tsehootsooi Medical Dept. of Personnel Management streamlines Center in Fort Defiance, Ariz. its Personnel Action Form format to a common Delegate Rickie Nez (Nenahnezad, template so it can be uniform and quicker to Newcomb, San Juan, T’iis Tsoh Sikaad, update the personnel database. Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland) spoke about Delegate Charles-Newton expressed Delegate Jamie Henio submitted several questions to executive Mr. Willie’s character. her concern with Navajo police officers being appointees related to advancing the Nation’s economic development and protecting the envinronment and natural “Here you are, a well-minded and goal- vetted and going through the same DPM resources during the spring session confirmation hearings. oriented individual. That’s good. You have to hiring process which is taking a lot more time of Eastern Navajo Agency. have a focus; your vision has to be clear. And to process when there is a shortage of officers The council confirmed Lewis by I see that in you from when you were at RDC on the force. unanimous consent with no debate and here,” Delegate Nez said. “We need to get officers hired right Legislation 0074-19, Confirmation Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton away. Sitting on these applications and not of the nominations of the Speaker of the presented the need to bring jobs back to getting them through affects the whole Nation Navajo Nation Council, and the Navajo the Nation and that tourism promotion is and the safety of people. Hiring of officers Nation President to the Eastern Navajo Land important. She said a generation ago Shiprock need to be a Dept. of Public Safety decision,” Commission had a hotel, a cinema and more places to Delegate Charles-Newton said. This legislation called for nominations attract tourism. The council confirmed Dr. Fowler by from the Speaker and the President. Delegates The council confirmed Mr. Willie by unanimous consent. representing the “checkerboard” area of unanimous consent. Legislation 0027-19, Confirmation of the Nation make up the ENLC. Nominations Christopher Becenti as the executive director didn’t have to be made for delegates, as of the Navajo Nation Telecommunications they were automatically inserted into the Regulatory Commission legislation because of their representation of The primary questions asked in “checkerboard” lands. Those are Delegates Mr. Becenti’s hearing were E911, FirstNet Freeland, Daniel Tso (Baca/Prewitt, Casamero deployment and continuing to add cellular Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, towers. Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake), “We have a lot of Navajo families Edmund Yazzie (Churchrock, Iyanbito, that live right there on the corridor between Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau), Crownpoint and Farmington (N.M.). God Jamie Henio (Alamo, Ramah, Tóhajiilee), and forbid that no accident happens there. There Speaker Seth Damon. is no cell service for a large part of that service Delegate Kee Allen Begay highlighted the FirstNet system and a President Nez nominated former host of public safety issues while questioning executive branch area,” Delegate Freeland said. delegate Danny Simpson. The measure appointees during the spring session. Another concern Delegate Kee Allen passed 16-4. Legislation 0025-19, Confirmation of Begay had is that one of the chapters he Legislation 0082-19, Confirmation of Dr. Jill Jim as health director of the Navajo represents has no Internet access. He told Mr. Mr. Oliver B. Whaley as the director of Navajo Nation Dept. of Health Becenti, Navajo President Jonathan Nez, and Nation Environmental Protection Agency Dr. Jim earned her degrees from the Vice President Myron Lizer that they had to Mr. Whaley was not present in council University of Utah with a Masters in Public continue discussing telecommunications with chambers April 18 because he was tending to Health from the School of Medicine and the council. a family emergency. School of Business, a Masters in Healthcare The council confirmed Mr. Becenti by He entered his confirmation hearing Administration, and a Ph.D. in Public Health. unanimous consent. on the last day of the spring session. He Dr. Jim was confirmed by unanimous consent Legislation 0040-19, Confirmation faced key concerns such as uranium mine with no debate. of Santee Lewis as the Navajo Nation reclamation and contamination, fracking in Legislation 0026-19, Confirmation of Washington Office director Eastern Agency, methane venting and flaring, Dr. Perphelia Fowler as executive director of Santee Lewis earned an MBA and Juris and the Gold King Mine Spill into the San the Division of Human Resources Doctorate from the University of New Mexico. Juan River, among other issues. The council Dr. Fowler received her doctorate Her last position was deputy superintendant confirmed Mr. Whaley by a 16-6 vote.

9 2019 Spring Council Session Legislation Results

*Chaired the discussion - Only votes in the event of a tie. **Excused by the Speaker.

LEGISLATION 0009-19 LEGISLATION 0011-19 LEGISLATION 0018-19 LEGISLATION 0012-16 LEGISLATION 0013-19 LEGISLATION 0017-19

An action Relating to An Action Relating to An Action Relating to An Action Relating to An Action Relating to An Action Relating Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Naabik’íyáti’ Committee to Law and Order: and the Navajo Nation and The Navajo Nation and the Navajo Nation and the Navajo Nation and the Navajo Nation Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Council; Confi rming Council; Confi rming the Council; Confi rming the Council; Confi rming Council; Consenting to and the Navajo Nation the Appointment of Appointment of Garret Appointment of Lomardo the Appointment of Dr. Jesse Delmar as Navajo Council; Confi rming the Rudy Shebala as Navajo Silversmith as Division Aseret as Executive Pearl Yellowman as the Nation Division of Public Appointment of Doreen Nation Division of Natural Director for the Navajo Director of the Division Division of Community Safety Executive Director N. McPaul as The Navajo Resources Executive Division of Transportation of General Services. Development Director Nation Attorney General Director for the Navajo Nation

PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR Herman Daniels Mark Freeland Edmund Yazzie Mark Freeland Herman Daniels Edmund Yazzie

ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED

YEA (21): YEA (20): YEA (20): YEA (18): YEA (17): YEA (18): Elmer Begay Elmer Begay Elmer Begay Elmer Begay Elmer Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Paul Begay Paul Begay Paul Begay Paul Begay Paul Begay Paul Begay Nathaniel Brown Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Eugenia Charles-Newton Nathaniel Brown Nathaniel Brown Nathaniel Brown Nathaniel Brown Nathaniel Brown Amber Kanazbah Crotty Eugenia Charles-Newton Eugenia Charles-Newton Eugenia Charles-Newton Eugenia Charles-Newton Herman Daniels Herman Daniels Amber Kanazbah Crotty Amber Kanazbah Crotty Amber Kanazbah Crotty Amber Kanazbah Crotty Mark Freeland Mark Freeland Herman Daniels Herman Daniels Herman Daniels Herman Daniels Pernell Halona Pernell Halona Mark Freeland Mark Freeland Mark Freeland Mark Freeland Jamie Henio Jamie Henio Pernell Halona Pernell Halona Pernell Halona Pernell Halona Vince James Rickie Nez Jamie Henio Jamie Henio Jamie Henio Jamie Henio Rickie Nez Raymond Smith, Jr. Vince James Vince James Vince James Vince James Raymond Smith, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Rickie Nez Rickie Nez Rickie Nez Rickie Nez Wilson Stewart, Jr. Daniel Tso Raymond Smith, Jr. Raymond Smith, Jr. Raymond Smith, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Daniel Tso Eugene Tso Wilson Stewart, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Eugene Tso Eugene Tso Otto Tso Daniel Tso Daniel Tso Daniel Tso Otto Tso Otto Tso Thomas Walker, Jr. Eugene Tso Eugene Tso Eugene Tso Thomas Walker, Jr. Edmund Yazzie Jimmy Yellowhair Otto Tso Otto Tso Otto Tso Edmund Yazzie Thomas Walker, Jr. Thomas Walker, Jr. Thomas Walker, Jr. Edmund Yazzie Edmund Yazzie Edmund Yazzie Jimmy Yellowhair

NAY (0): NAY (1): NAY (0): NAY (0): NAY (0): NAY (2): Amber Kanazbah Crotty Raymond Smith, Jr. NOT VOTING (4): Daniel Tso NOT VOTING (6): *Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon Nelson S. BeGaye NOT VOTING (3): NOT VOTING (4): NOT VOTING (4): NOT VOTING (4): Eugenia Charles-Newton Elmer Begay *Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon **Charlaine Tso Vince James **Charlaine Tso **Charlaine Tso **Charlaine Tso **Charlaine Tso Thomas Walker, Jr. **Charlaine Tso **Edison Wauneka **Edison Wauneka **Edison Wauneka **Edison Wauneka **Edison Wauneka **Edison Wauneka Jimmy Yellowhair Jimmy Yellowhair Jimmy Yellowhair Jimmy Yellowhair

10 2019 Spring Council Session Legislation Results

*Chaired the discussion - Only votes in the event of a tie. **Excused by the Speaker.

LEGISLATION 0022-19 LEGISLATION 0025-19 LEGISLATION 0026-19 LEGISLATION 0027-19 LEGISLATION 0040-19 LEGISLATION 0074-19

An Action Relating to An Action Relating An Action Relating An Action Relating to An Action Relating to An Act Relating to Naabik’íyáti’ Committee to Health, Education to Health, Education Naabik’iyati’ Committee Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Naabik’íyáti Committee and the Navajo Nation and Human Services and Human Services and the Navajo Nation and The Navajo Nation and the Navajo Nation Council; Confi rming the Committee, Naabik’iyati’ Committee, Naabik’iyati’ Council; Confi rming Council; Confi rming the Council; Confi rming Appointment of JT J. Committees and Committee and the Appointment of Appointment of Santee the Nominations of the Willie as Navajo Nation the Navajo Nation the Navajo Nation Christopher Becenti as Lewis as The Navajo Speaker of the Navajo Division of Economic Council; Confi rming Council; Confi rming the Executive Director Nation Washington Nation Council and the Development Executive the Appointment of Dr. the Appointment of Dr. of the Navajo Nation Offi ce Director Navajo Nation President Director Jill Jim as the Health Perphelia Fowler as the Telecommunication to the Eastern Navajo Director of the Navajo Executive Director of Regulatory Commission Land Commission Nation Department of the Division of Human Health Resources

PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR PRIMARY SPONSOR Edmund Yazzie Charlaine Tso Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Amber Kanazbah Crotty Seth Damon

ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED ACTION: PASSED

YEA (22): YEA (19): YEA (22): YEA (20): YEA (20): YEA (16): Elmer Begay Kee Allen Begay Elmer Begay Elmer Begay Elmer Begay Elmer Begay Kee Allen Begay Paul Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Kee Allen Begay Paul Begay Nelson BeGaye Paul Begay Paul Begay Paul Begay Paul Begay Nelson BeGaye Nathaniel Brown Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Nelson BeGaye Nathaniel Brown Eugenia Charles-Newton Nathaniel Brown Nathaniel Brown Nathaniel Brown Nathaniel Brown Eugenia Charles-Newton Amber Kanazbah Crotty Eugenia Charles-Newton Eugenia Charles-Newton Eugenia Charles-Newton Amber Kanazbah Crotty Amber Kanazbah Crotty Herman Daniels Amber Kanazbah Crotty Amber Kanazbah Crotty Amber Kanazbah Crotty Herman Daniels Herman Daniels Mark Freeland Herman Daniels Herman Daniels Herman Daniels Mark Freeland Mark Freeland Pernell Halona Mark Freeland Mark Freeland Mark Freeland Pernell Halona Pernell Halona Jamie Henio Pernell Halona Pernell Halona Pernell Halona Jamie Henio Jamie Henio Rickie Nez Jamie Henio Jamie Henio Jamie Henio Rickie Nez Vince James Raymond Smith, Jr. Vince James Rickie Nez Rickie Nez Charlaine Tso Rickie Nez Charlaine Tso Raymond Smith, Jr. Raymond Smith, Jr. Raymond Smith, Jr. Daniel Tso Raymond Smith, Jr. Daniel Tso Wilson Stewart, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Thomas Walker, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Eugene Tso Charlaine Tso Charlaine Tso Charlaine Tso Edison Wauneka Charlaine Tso Thomas Walker, Jr. Daniel Tso Daniel Tso Daniel Tso Edmund Yazzie Daniel Tso Edison Wauneka Eugene Tso Eugene Tso Otto Tso Otto Tso Edmund Yazzie Otto Tso Otto Tso Thomas Walker, Jr. Thomas Walker, Jr. Jimmy Yellowhair Thomas Walker, Jr. Thomas Walker, Jr. Edison Wauneka Edison Wauneka Edison Wauneka Edmund Yazzie Edmund Yazzie NAY (4): Edmund Yazzie Edmund Yazzie Eugenia Charles-Newton Jimmy Yellowhair Jimmy Yellowhair Raymond Smith, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. NAY (0): NAY (0): NAY (0): NAY (0): NAY (0): Otto Tso

NOT VOTING (2): NOT VOTING (5): NOT VOTING (1): NOT VOTING (4): NOT VOTING (4): NOT VOTING (4): *Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon *Speaker Seth Damon Eugene Tso Elmer Begay *Rickie Nez Vince James Eugene Tso Vince James Vince James Edison Wauneka Vince James Eugene Tso Wilson Stewart Jimmy Yellowhair Jimmy Yellowhair Jimmy Yellowhair Otto Tso

11 2019 Spring Council th Session 24 Navajo Nation Council Legislation Results (cont’d.) Standing Committees and Commissions

*Chaired the discussion - Only votes in the event of a tie. **Excused by the Speaker.

LEGISLATION 0082-19 Council Standing Committees An Action Relating to the Resources and Development Committee, Naabik’iyati’ Budget and Finance Health, Education, and Human Ser- Committee, and the Navajo Committee vices Committee Nation Council; Confi rming the appointment of Oliver B. Jamie Henio (Chair) Daniel Tso (Chair) Whaley as the Director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Raymond Smith, Jr. (Vice Chair) Charlaine Tso (Vice Chair) Protection Agency Elmer Begay Paul Begay Nathaniel Brown Nelson S. BeGaye Amber Kanazbah Crotty Pernell Halona Jimmy Yellowhair Edison Wauneka

Law and Order Resources and Development Committee Committee PRIMARY SPONSOR Thomas Walker, Jr. Eugenia Charles-Newton (Chair) Rickie Nez (Chair) ACTION: PASSED Otto Tso (Vice Chair) Thomas Walker, Jr. (Vice Chair) Vince James Kee Allen Begay, Jr. YEA (16): Kee Allen Begay Eugene Tso Herman Daniels Paul Begay Edmund Yazzie Mark Freeland Nelson BeGaye Wilson Stewart, Jr. Nathaniel Brown Amber Kanazbah Crotty Herman Daniels Mark Freeland Pernell Halona Jamie Henio Vince James Rickie Nez Commissions Raymond Smith, Jr. Wilson Stewart, Jr. Thomas Walker, Jr. Eastern Navajo Land Commission Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Edison Wauneka Seth Damon Otto Tso (chair) Edmund Yazzie Mark Freeland Raymond Smith, Jr. (vice chair) Jamie Henio Elmer Begay Daniel Tso Kee Allen Begay, Jr. NAY (6): Edmund Yazzie Herman Daniels Elmer Begay Vince James Eugenia Charles-Newton Thomas Walker, Jr. Charlaine Tso Daniel Tso Jimmy Yellowhair Eugene Tso Otto Tso resolution forthcoming) NOT VOTING (2): Utah Navajo Commission ( *Speaker Seth Damon Nathaniel Brown Jimmy Yellowhair Herman Daniels Charlaine Tso

12