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

Thursday, April 23, 2026

1. Introduction

2. Earth Day

Earth Day reminds us of our duty to care for the land, water, and air. As Diné, we follow teachings of respect, balance, and harmony with the natural world.

3. Local Announcements

Missing: Donovan Lynn Jordan, 33, last seen Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Kayenta, AZ. Contact 928-697-5600.
Located: Tenena Benally has been found and is safe.

4. Frequently Asked Question of the Week

How do I become a Navajo Nation poll official? Chapters recommend officials through a duly called meeting; recommendations go to the Navajo Election Administration at least 30 days before an election.
Qualifications: registered Navajo Nation voter, read and write English, speak Navajo fluently, attend at least one training (Chief Poll Judges attend two). Officials must remain neutral — no candidacy, no public support of candidates or issues, no service where a close family member is on the ballot.

5. Life Lesson

Mothers are the heartbeat of our families and the strength that carries our people forward. Our teachings remind us that women are life-givers — with that comes honor and the responsibility to respect and stand beside them.

6. Accomplishments

LeChee Water Treatment Plant site visit: toured Phase I of the Western Navajo Pipeline with LeChee Chapter officials and Council Delegate Helena Nez-Begay. The plant draws from Lake Powell; 1 MGD membrane facility, storage reservoirs, 31,000+ feet of pipeline, 600 GPM booster pump station. Pump station and intake upgrades remain.
Change Labs ED Heather Fleming updated the Nation on the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI). Using $7 million, over $604,532 deployed with nearly $4 million in the pipeline. The Nation received $26,189,941 from US Treasury; 80% must be deployed by April 2027.
N55 Roadway groundbreaking in Alamo, April 17: NDOT awarded a $7.3 million contract to Mountain States Constructors for 8.26 miles north of Alamo. Construction starts April 20, 2026; completion anticipated June 27, 2026.
Signed new Navajo Nation Procurement Act. Takes effect once BFC adopts regulations. Large procurements centralized, departments handle smaller purchases. Appeals via OHA.
39 students earned the Seal of Bilingual Proficiency from 16 schools, up from 22 total the previous year.

7. Major Projects

Signed the Maternal Health Awareness Day proclamation Saturday, April 18 in Shiprock, NM at the Welcome Baby event.
Resources: Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project (505-368-3587); Navajo Nation WIC; Navajo Nation Behavioral Health Services (1-866-878-0982); Navajo OSERS home-visiting. First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren works with the NN Breastfeeding Coalition/Diné Doula Collective.
Drums of Spring, April 16: The Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families hosted 138 participants. Live broadcasts with KTNN, KKNS, and KWRK Radio expanded outreach.
NAPI 56th anniversary. NAPI employs 200 to 500 during crop season, roughly 95% Navajo. OPVP partnership expands food distribution and supports irrigation and infrastructure.
N9806 near Indian Wells, AZ: NDOT completed a 2.0-mile segment with sub-grade, drainage, and graveling improvements. Approximately $170,000 through HURF and intergovernmental partnerships, with up to $70,000 for culvert and drainage via Navajo County and BIA.

8. Meet and Greets

Hilltop Christian School third and fourth-graders visited President Nygren emphasized education, clans, and the Navajo language. Included a reading of The Three Little Sheep in Navajo and English; each student received a copy.

9. 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