Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address (in Diné Bizaad)
Thursday, February 26, 2026
1. Introduction
2. National FFA Organization Week
- Celebrates leadership, agriculture, and community; farming and ranching deeply rooted in Navajo tradition
- Empowers Navajo youth to strengthen food sovereignty, preserve heritage, and build a sustainable future
3. Local Announcements
- Johns Hopkins "Language Is Medicine" study led by Dr. Joshuaa Allison-Burbank seeks advisory board members in Fort Defiance and Eastern Agency
- Caregivers, home visitors, and early intervention providers invited; contact Jessica Meese at 505-635-3415
- Missing person: Derek Ray Manuelito, 30, last seen in Tempe, AZ; contact 928-871-6111
- Located: Meeta Elise Helms, Keith Tsosie, and Aiden Madrid have been found and are safe
4. FAQ: Financial Assistance Programs
- General Assistance through DCFS: federally funded short-term help for rent, utilities, and food
- Eligible: Navajo tribal members in NM, AZ, or UT; contact DCFS at (928) 871-6556
5. Life Lesson: Being Rich Has Nothing to Do with Money
- Hauling water, reading by kerosene lamp, eating bread and gravy was not poverty — it was family and resilience
- Elders measured wealth in love, respect, and tradition — true wealth is carried in your spirit and roots
6. Accomplishments
- Signed CJA-05-26 on February 21: Capital Development and Financing Act moves ~$521 million from RRR to new Capital Development Financing Fund
- $166.7 million remains in RRR for Delegate Region Project Plans
- Paves way for half-billion-dollar broadband project: reliable internet for every Chapter, home, and phone
- Supports water/wastewater, roads, energy, housing, and government facilities; sovereign immunity waiver process streamlined
- Fund principal protected for minimum 15 years; Controller to set annual funding cap
- Northland Pioneer College Kayenta Center groundbreaking: $9 million from Arizona Commerce Authority, completion expected summer 2027
- "Our Language Is Life" conference at Navajo Nation Library and Museum for International Mother Language Day
- Advocated in Washington for Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act with Hopi Chairman Keevama, San Juan Southern Paiute VP Lehi Jr., and Speaker Curley
7. Major Projects
- Signed $2.79 million IGA for NM 371/N36 intersection improvements south of Farmington: widening, traffic signal, lighting
- Cameron Chapter and Crownpoint Modular Building received contract numbers; Notice to Proceed authorized
- NM Capital Outlay Alpha H, I, J agreements signed: over $13.7 million in external funding
- 63 IGAs signed February 23 to draw down grant funds; CPMD sessions Wednesdays 1–3:30 PM at www.nndcd.org
- Ganado Post Office reopened February 23 after renovations; collaboration across Apache County, Ganado Chapter, Sage Memorial Hospital, Four Seasons Construction, and OPVP
- Carbon Forest Offset Program: $5,065,424.42 received from ANEW Climate, LLC; first carbon credits issued under Navajo Forest Carbon Project
8. Student Athletes
- AZ State Tournament Friday: Window Rock vs. Alchesay 6 PM; Page vs. Yuma Catholic 8 PM
- 3A Championship Saturday 1:30 PM; Copper State: Tuba City vs. Snowflake Saturday 6 PM — all at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix
- Whitehorse High School (UT) Quarterfinals Thursday Feb 26, 4 PM at Salt Lake Community College
9. Upcoming Events
- Saturday, Feb 28: Phoenix Indian Center Navajo Song and Dance, 10 AM–7 PM at Glendale High School; contact Kami Ortiz at 602-264-6768
10. Closing: Thank you and tune in next week!
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Content Coordination: Kristin Carl and OPVP Media Team
Audio Editor: Byron C. Shorty
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