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

Thursday, June 18, 2026

1. Introduction

2. Juneteenth

Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the 1865 announcement of freedom to the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation
A day to honor resilience, reflect on progress, and reaffirm commitment to freedom, dignity, and equality for all

3. Local Announcements

4. Frequently Asked Question of the Week

The Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services in Window Rock provides counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, traditional healing, and wellness programs
Contact: (928) 871-6240 or (928) 871-6235; after-hours crisis: (928) 551-0508

5. Life Lesson

Balance between the four directions and the connection of body and spirit is central to Navajo teaching
Seeking help is not weakness but a step toward restoring hózhǫ́; walking in beauty begins with caring for yourself

6. Accomplishments

NTEC distributed a record $5.5 million dividend to the Navajo Nation, a 74.6% increase from $3.15 million in September 2025; NTEC contributes $128 million through taxes, royalties, wages, and charitable giving, with total impact expected to exceed $136 million
Oak Springs broadband tower will bring wireless internet to over 320 households; the 180-foot tower is part of $50.8 million in NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program investments across the Navajo Nation
Broadband progress also includes towers in Nazlini and Low Mountain, fiber for 602 families in Ramah, completion of the Navajo Mountain fiber project, and satellite deployment for remote chapters
Chee Dodge Elementary access road project addresses traffic safety; Phase 1 used $1.5 million from New Mexico plus grants, the Navajo Nation allocated ~$900,000 through transportation legislation, and Phase 2 (~$700,000) targets completion before the school year
Lead waterline replacement completed for Window Rock USD through a $6 million forgivable loan from Arizona WIFA to NTUA, meeting EPA Lead and Copper Rule standards

7. Major Projects

Elevate Youth Program to receive a 12-passenger Ford Transit van through $63,631 in ARPA/Fiscal Recovery Funds; serves ~170 students annually in Window Rock ISD with mentoring, leadership, and adventure-based learning
Visited five CHID housing program homes in Lukachukai, Round Rock, and Rock Point on June 12; more than $100 million allocated through CHID and HIP, with 45+ homes coordinated with NTUA for electrical connections
Cameron Chapter House groundbreaking held June 17; $4.8 million in legislation signed May 2, 2024, for a new 4,500-sq.-ft. facility replacing two modular buildings used since the 1959 chapterhouse was demolished in August 2023
Joined the DCFS Job and Training Expo connecting people with careers, training, and resources; administration wage study increased employee pay to over $14/hour, and $2.2 million invested in the Summer Youth Employment Program

8. Meet and Greets

Joined cancer survivors at the Relay For Life in Gallup on June 13; emphasized NDOH early detection efforts and advocacy for RECA reauthorization for families affected by uranium exposure
Joined young leaders at the Diné Youth Summer Conference; Star Wars theme introduced students to robotics, drones, GIS, fiber optics, and AI

9. Upcoming Events

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