May 14, 2026

<p>Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address (in Diné Bizaad)</p><p>Thursday, May 14, 2026</p><p><br /></p><p>1. Introduction</p><p><br /></p><p>2. Mother's Day</p><ul><li>We honor the strength, love, and sacrifice of our mothers, grandmothers, and all women who nurture families across the Navajo Nation.</li><li>Our mothers carry our teachings, language, and traditions. We also remember those no longer with us, whose love lives on in our hearts.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>3. Local Announcements</p><ul><li>Happy birthday to Jean Redhorse (May 27, 1942) and Stella Pete (May 12, 1947)</li><li>Henry Clark from Teec Nos Pos wishes mothers a belated Happy Mother's Day</li><li>No new missing persons reported this week</li><li>Located: Adyn Diney Lee Tsipai, Sequoia Cleveland, and Natasha June Wilson have been found and are safe</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>4. Frequently Asked Question of the Week</p><ul><li>The Navajo Election Administration encourages eligible voters to register at their local chapter house or nearest election office. Bring your original CIB, valid ID, and Social Security card.</li><li>Contact: 1-800-775-8683 | Suite 212, Quality Inn Office Complex, Window Rock, AZ 86515</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>5. Life Lesson</p><ul><li>Progress does not always happen overnight. Like planting corn, we prepare the ground, care for it daily, and trust the process.</li><li>Our words and actions set an example for the next generation. Move forward with faith, discipline, and compassion.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>6. Accomplishments</p><ul><li>Signed CAP-23-26 to fully fund the Legislative Branch with $3.3 million, ending eight months of budget disputes. OPVP calls on Council to support supplemental appropriations for the Executive Branch, currently at zero operational dollars and needing approximately $750,000.</li><li>Approved $818,270 contract with Roots Counseling and Consulting LLC (Dr. Nathan Velez) to reopen behavioral health services at the Navajo Regional Behavioral Health Center in Shiprock, covering program design and residential treatment services.</li><li>Signed $120 million legislation for transportation infrastructure across 59 communities. Over $400 million invested in Navajo roads by end of 2026 — eight times the previous average. NDOT crews repaired over 6,000 potholes and expanded maintained roads from 15 to 30 miles across 110 chapters.</li><li>Broke ground for the new To'hajilee community school on 42 acres near the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center. $90.4 million awarded; Bradbury Stamm Construction leads design.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>7. Major Projects</p><ul><li>Vetoed legislation that would shift OMB authority to Council, conflicting with the 1989 Title II Amendments establishing three separate and equal branches. Major structural changes should be decided by the Navajo people.</li><li>Met with BLM alongside Delegate Danny Simpson regarding the Chaco Canyon 10-mile buffer zone, which cut off oil and gas subsidies for Navajo families without consultation. BLM is reviewing three alternatives: no action, a five-mile buffer, or removal.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>8. Meet and Greets</p><ul><li>Attended the 31st Annual Indigenous Celebration at NAU, honoring graduates including many Navajo Nation students.</li><li>Chambers liquor license: opposition hearing set for June 4; document deadline May 21. The Attorney General's Office will present the Nation's position opposing the Series 9 license at Chieftain Mobil near Indian Wells.</li><li>RECA seminar held May 8 in Chinle at NTU, covering reforms and application guidance. Downwinder compensation increased from $50,000 to $100,000. Residents warned about scams — no fee to apply through DOJ; legal fees capped at 2%.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>9. Upcoming Events</p><ul><li>Elder Fest events for Older Americans Month:</li><li>Wednesday, May 20: Blue Gap Senior Center at 10:00 a.m.</li><li>Thursday, May 21: Crownpoint, NM (NTU Wellness Center) at 8:00 a.m.</li><l