Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address (in Diné Bizaad)

Thursday, November 13, 2025

1. Introduction

2. Upcoming Holidays and Appreciation Day

• World Diabetes Day on Friday, November 14
• American Indian and Alaska Native adults are three times more likely to have Type 2 diabetes
• Higher rates linked to limited access to electricity, grocery stores, and processed food diets
• Small steps toward fresh foods and blood sugar awareness make a difference

3. Local Announcements

• Missing person: Aaron Mark Bradley, 67, last seen September 6, 2025 at Shonto Market
• Missing person: Darrell Don Domingo, 60, last seen November 4, 2025 at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock
• Missing person: Melineya R Yazzie, 54, last seen October 12, 2025 in Shiprock, NM
• Located: Samara Begay has been found and is safe

4. Frequently Asked Question of the Week

• Burial Assistance increased from $2,500 to $3,500
• Applications accepted from participating mortuaries during government shutdown
• Burial must be on Navajo Nation or in border town, payment made by invoice to funeral home
• Contact NDCFS Financial Assistance Unit at 928-871-6556

• Housing Improvement Program provides minor repairs up to $7,500, renovations up to $60,000
• Replacement housing available if dwelling cannot meet building code standards
• Information: 928-871-6468 or https://www.nndcd.org/housing/

5. Life Lesson

• You are never alone in facing challenges
• Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
• Support and resources are always within reach

6. Accomplishments

• Nazlini Senior Center grand opening: $4 million investment, 3,915 sq ft facility
• Project began in 1997, features cafeteria, kitchen, fitness room, ADA-accessible parking
• Navajo Nation Veterans Act amendment signed strengthening representation and well-being
• Veterans Advisory Council strengthened for transparency and accountability across 110 chapters
• $1.27 million allocated for Automated Weather Observing Systems at Tuba City and Chinle airports
• Four key turning ceremonies in Pine Dale and Thoreau: three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes
• 25 homes turned over to families in Eastern Agency alone

7. Major Projects

• Navajo Tax Commission collected $2.4 million in junk food tax
• $1.8 million to be distributed to 110 chapters for local wellness programs
• NNVA completed 28 new veteran homes since 2023, 68 awaiting construction
• Over 120 veterans secured monthly disability payments, $327,000 in backpay recovered
• 99% of Veterans Trust Fund expended this year, highest utilization in over a decade
• Kayenta St Mary's food distribution: over 1,000 families received turkey and Thanksgiving meal items
• Domestic violence shelter in Tuba City moving through planning process with $4 million funding

8. Meet and Greets

• Veterans Day celebrations in Chichiltah and Oak Springs with 5K Fun Run and Walk
• NM State Cross Country Championship in Albuquerque: Navajo Prep boys 2nd place (3A Division)
• Elijah England and Kenai Begay from Navajo Prep earned 1st and 2nd place (3A Division)
• Kaydence Riley of Santa Fe Indian placed 3rd individually (3A Division)
• Miyamura girls placed 3rd overall (4A Division)

9. Upcoming Events

• Monument Valley Veterans Marathon on November 15
• Marathon at 9 AM, half-marathon at 10 AM, 4-mile run at 12 PM
• All veterans receive free entry
• Live music all day to honor veterans and promote wellness

10. Closing: Thank you and tune in next week!

###

This audio program and description are produced by the Navajo Nation Office of the President, which is responsible for its content.

OPVP Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://opvp.navajo-nsn.gov/administration/#media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Content Coordination: Kristin Carl and OPVP Media Team

Audio Editor: Byron C. Shorty

© 2025 OPVP