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

Thursday, July 9, 2026

1. Introduction

2. Chronic Disease Awareness Day (July 10)

Many health challenges facing the Navajo Nation are preventable through education, early detection, and healthy lifestyles
Native adults are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to White adults
Schedule routine screenings, know your blood pressure and blood sugar numbers, and stay active

3. Local Announcements

Missing person: Fernando Staley, 34, last seen Friday, July 3, 2026, in Chinle, AZ. Contact: 928-674-2111
Missing person: Alec Yazzie, 27, last seen Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Fort Defiance, AZ. Contact: 928-871-6111
Located: Florence Lee Nez has been found and is safe

4. Frequently Asked Question of the Week

Q: How are you improving police and emergency response?
Strengthened partnerships through new mutual aid agreements, including a five-year agreement with Arizona DPS
Continued investment in NPD, EMS, dispatch, first responder training, roads, broadband, and addressing systems; efforts to combat fentanyl, address MMIR, and expand prevention

5. Life Lesson

Challenges strengthen character when faced with courage and patience; progress comes through consistent, faithful steps each day
Plant kindness, choose gratitude, and keep moving forward with hope

6. Accomplishments

Executive Order No. 03-2026: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in effect; no chainsaw or combustion engine use in the forest 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; ceremonial fires permitted with permits; violations up to $5,000
Supported the Cody Jesus Invitational Youth Resilience Camp at the NN Fairgrounds with NDCFS and the Preserving Families Initiative
Ribbon cutting Monday, July 6, for the Tó kǫʼí Telecommunications Tower, a 180-foot tower serving 1,900+ homes; $808,282 NTIA-funded, part of a $50.8 million initiative through NTUA
Towers completed in Nazlini, Low Mountain, Oak Springs, and Tó kǫʼí; $244.6 million Broadband Plan approved to expand access across all 110 chapters

7. Major Projects

Construction began July 7 on the Crownpoint Modular facility (7,900 sq ft), ~$3.879 million from the Síhasin Fund; will house HR, Vital Records, and Child Support Services for the Eastern Agency
Church Rock Chapter Senior Center reopening after closure for water issues; drive-through meals this week, indoor dining next week
HIP: $86.3M of $93.7M obligated across 78 work orders; 1,322 homes in renovation, 596 bathroom additions across 24 Delegate Regions; 75%+ complete before Sept. 30, 2026 deadline
CHID Work Order #5: 138 homes built, 69 in storage, 75 pads completed, 69 delivered, 68 set, 38 turned over
Recognition to HIP staff Marilyn Barney, Autumn John, Theresa Boyd, Emmet Tsosie, Joseph Charley, William Nelson, Irvin Shorty; CHID staff Patrick Dalgai, Jerrilyn Owens, Alfreida Nez, Jeffrey Goodluck, Tyler Willatto, Shaquille Spencer; CDBG staff Jerome Meyers and Saraphine Curley

8. Meet and Greets

46th Annual Narbona Pass Classic reached record participation; Ali Upshaw of Fort Defiance broke the women's 10K record (39 years) in 40:38; Kameron Eustace won the men's 10K in 37:32 for a third straight year
5K winners: Achilles Padilla (19:32) and Chase Allison among women (24:09)

9. Upcoming Events

Friday, July 10: Skateboarding competition at Diné Youth Skate and BMX Park; age divisions 6-9, 10-13, 14-18; begins 10 a.m.; bring birth certificates; contact Tachelle at 928-729-4336
Friday, July 10: 9th Annual Mariano Lake Youth Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mariano Lake Chapter; contact (505) 786-2180 or (505) 786-2182

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