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

Thursday, June 25, 2026

1. Introduction

2. LGBTQ+ Equality Day

June 26 is LGBTQ+ Equality Day, a reminder that every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to live free from discrimination
As Diné people, we speak of kinship and caring for one another; despite differing beliefs, we remain one family with a shared responsibility to treat each other with kindness and compassion
Strong communities are built when people feel valued, heard, and welcomed; by finding common ground, we strengthen our families, our Nation, and our future

3. Local Announcements

Radio shout out: Jennie Pete from Huerfano, celebrating 101 years old
Shout out to Sally Yabeny from the Shiprock RBDO for her work on the NTUA lease at Red Mesa
Located: Elias Nelson has been found and is safe
Located: Bernard James has been found and is safe
Missing person: Brianna Lynn Benally, 21, last heard from Friday, May 15, 2026, experiencing homelessness in Phoenix, Arizona. Contact: 928-657-8075

4. Life Lesson

June is Ya'iishjáásh Chilí, the time of planting early crops; planting requires faith and patience, and like seeds growing unseen, our goals often begin small with progress happening even when we cannot see it
Every positive action is a seed; whether building a career, strengthening family, or serving community, the effort we invest today shapes tomorrow's harvest

5. Frequently Asked Question of the Week

6. Accomplishments

Grand opening of the $16 million NTUA Red Mesa District Office, expanding service in the Utah Navajo region; funded by $2.5 million in New Markets and $13.5 million in USDA RUS loans; designed by Dyron Murphy Architects, built by Arviso Construction
NTUA's Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm, a 72-megawatt project on 500+ acres in Red Mesa Chapter, expanded renewable energy on Navajo land
Encouraged youth at the Shiprock Summer Youth Enrichment Conference for ages 14 to 23; theme "Arise and Soar" focused on leadership, workforce readiness, and cultural awareness
Ribbon cutting for the $7,295,462.88 N55 Highway Rehabilitation in Alamo: 8.26 miles of BIA Route N55 rehabilitated; awarded to Mountain States Constructors and completed June 19, ahead of schedule
Visited a family in Black Mesa who received electricity through NTUA's Light Up Navajo program and a bathroom addition through the Division of Community Development

7. Major Projects

Traveled to Red Valley and Cove on June 18 to deliver food boxes to elders through DALTCS
Visited NDOT crews on Road N15 repairing potholes; $400+ million approved for roads, 6,000+ potholes filled, 74 new employees hired; partnering with Workforce Development and UNM-Gallup for CDL training
Aviation Summit highlighted the new Navajo Aviation Unit, unifying Air Transportation and Airports Management to strengthen operations and infrastructure planning
Crownpoint Modular Office Building advances; site prep complete for the facility replacing five existing offices, with delivery coordination underway through CPMD under Marta Quintana

8. Meet and Greets

Honored Senior Police Officer JoDonna Salt upon retirement after 20+ years with Navajo Nation Police in the Kayenta District; Officer Salt will continue public service with Arizona Department of Public Safety

9. Upcoming Events

Miss Navajo Nation's 1st Annual Fluted Rock Half and Full Marathon in Kinlichee, Arizona; hosted by Miss Navajo Nation 2025-2026 Camille J. Uentillie, Rocky Mountain Timing, and Navajo YES; Full Marathon at 6:30 a.m., Half Marathon at 7:00 a.m.; contact the Office of Miss Navajo Nation

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