Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Upcoming Holidays or Appreciation Days
1. Indigenous People's Day is October 9
1. Navajo Homeowner's Assistance Fund
Call Native Community Capital at: (855) 628-2272, Ex. 701
Browse to nativecap.org/nhoafund
Applications open Oct. 1What is Happening in the World
1. Possible US Federal Government shutdown after Sept. 30
If federal operations shut down, the Navajo Nation should not feel a direct negative impact right away
The BIA Area Director will brief me on Friday in Gallup
We will work with Council delegates to address any cash-flow issues, legislation
Google, Inc. turns 25!
Listening is the foundation of better communication
"In an argument with someone you care about, the best way to get the last word in is to apologize." - Stephen Covey, authorThe Week's Accomplishments
1. FY 2023 Comprehensive Budget Signed Into Law
I signed the fiscal year 2024 Navajo Nation Comprehensive Budget into law
It includes a 4% general wage adjustment for our valued employees, senior center funding, Head Start funding, school clothing funding, and more
I thank our tireless staff, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Navajo Nation Council for their diligence2. ARPA Funding Encumbrance Updates with DCD
On Monday, my division directors gathered and we set a goal of 9 months to get all ARPA funding encumbered
As of Sept. 15, we have obligated or expended more than $1 billion of the $2.8 billion we have been allocated3. Veterans Housing Updates
We broke ground on two new veterans homes this past week
Some veterans have waited more than several administrations to receive good homes
I've tasked the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration with rapidly moving the next 8 homes in each agency towards construction and completion for veterans
Navajo Nation EMS Manager Chris Kescoli and Lechee Chapter secured an intergovernmental agreement for EMS operations in Western Agency
10 positions will be created for the new facility, which will operate under the Navajo Nation Division of Public SafetyMajor Projects I Am Working On
1. National Energy Policy Input with the NNWO's Coordination
My Chief Legal Counsel Bidtah Becker is testifying before the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs today
I want federal departments and agencies to better work with the Navajo Nation
Becker will present changes we want to see in the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self Determination Act2. Diné Action Planning Group Fully Seated
The DAP will fight social problems like violence, domestic violence, substance abuse, murdered and missing loved ones, and suicide
As part of their two-day meeting this week, they focused on the issue of finding staff for treatment centers on the Navajo Nation
We have positions available1. Kirtland vs Grants Football Game
It was great to be with the crowd cheering on our young athletes and members of the band with their families2. National Transportation In Indian Country Conference
I represented the Navajo Nation along with the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation at the federal consultation around transportation funding
I advocated for bringing more funding back to Indian Country
Chief Garry Harrison and Council Administrator Lisa Wade hosted Council Delegate Shawna Clah (Chairwoman of the Resources and Development Committee) at their local village school
We appreciate their hospitality and their willingness to build partnershipsUpcoming Events in the Coming Week
1. President Nygren's Fitness Challenge
My office will host the second fitness challenge during the Northern Navajo Fair in Shiprocl on Oct. 4
It will be at the Shiprock High School starting at 5:30pm
The challenge is a 1 minute plank, 1 mile run/job, 20 sit ups, and 20 pushups
Join us!Closing: Thank you, and tune in next Thursday!
