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

Thursday, April 2, 2026

1. Introduction

2. Dig Deep / George McGraw Appreciation

President Nygren recognized George McGraw and Dig Deep as McGraw prepares to retire in May 2026
Since 2014, the Navajo Water Project grew from serving one family in Thoreau, N.M. into a multi-state initiative
More than 250 families across nine New Mexico communities now have improved access to clean water

3. Local Announcements

Missing: Robert Salt III, 16, last seen Thursday, March 12, 2026 in Monument Valley, UT — contact 928-697-5600
Missing: Edwin Peshlakai, 35, last seen Friday, February 27, 2026 in Nenahnezad, NM — contact 505-368-1350
Located: Chase Kenneth has been found

4. FAQ of the Week

How do you enroll for Navajo Nation Veteran Benefits?
Register with NNVA: nnva.navajo-nsn.gov | Forms: nnva.navajo-nsn.gov/Forms
Required documents: DD-214, CIB, W-9, valid photo ID, General Claim Form, and marriage/divorce docs (if applicable)
Regional VSO offices open Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM: Eastern Agency 505-786-2030 | Chinle Agency 928-674-2224 | Fort Defiance 928-871-7307 | Northern Agency 505-368-1013 | Western Agency 928-283-3030

5. Life Lesson

Every Step Builds Strength: Take one small step at a time. It's okay to rest — but keep going. The journey is what makes you strong.

6. Accomplishments

March 27: New $12 million academic building opened at Navajo Technical University — 14 classrooms, computer lab, faculty offices, and collaborative spaces; NTU serves 2,000+ students annually
NTU received a $5.2 million investment from New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the State of New Mexico
Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Center (YHC) has served over 200 individuals in six months, integrating Diné teachings, peer support, and evidence-based treatment for recovery
April proclaimed Financial Literacy Month; videos releasing twice weekly in partnership with Wells Fargo and Oweesta Corporation
Third NSBCI lending partnership signed with First Southwest Bank — loans from $5,000–$20,000 with $17 million lending capacity; prior partners: Change Labs and Trans-Pecos Bank

7. Major Projects

Broke ground on N12 Road Project in Wheatfields: $30,072,673 effort to improve 7.2 miles with widened shoulders, improved drainage, bridge construction, and new fencing — completion June 30, 2027
NDOH Division of Aging secured $11+ million in New Mexico capital outlay funding for senior center renovations across Ramah, Coyote Canyon, Gadii'ahi, Shiprock, Breadsprings, Huerfano, Newcomb, and other communities
City of Flagstaff update on potential ICE presence — no location confirmed; carry photo ID; Operation Rainbow Bridge: 1-800-435-7672 | operationrainbowbridge.com

8. Meet & Greets

Met with the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women to advance public safety efforts
Recommendations include expanded family services, youth prevention programs, improved response coordination, and financial assistance for impacted families
Actionable plan in development for burial assistance for MMIP families, first responder training, and improved family support

9. Upcoming Events

Tuesday, April 7: Chinle Veterans Organization prayer service, 7–8 AM at Chinle Veterans Administration Office — 928-674-2224 or NNVAChinle@navajo-nsn.gov
Saturday, April 18: Welcome Baby event at Shiprock High School, 9 AM — for families expecting or who welcomed a baby April 2025–April 2026; gift bags while supplies last — opvp.navajo-nsn.gov/welcome-baby

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

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

Content Coordination: Kristin Carl and OPVP Media Team

Audio Editor: Byron C. Shorty