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

Thursday, May 7, 2026

1. Introduction

2. National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

Monday marked the National Day of Awareness for MMIP. On the Navajo Nation, 241 missing persons cases have been identified.
We remember Ashlynn Mike, Ella Mae Begay, Maleeka "Mullie" Boone, Zachariah Shorty, and every family still searching.
OPVP established a Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives liaison, is building a data system with NTU, and committed $5M to search efforts and public safety.

3. Local Announcements

Missing person: Sequoia Cleveland, 17, last seen Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Gallup, NM. Contact 505-786-2050 with any information.
Located: Natasha June Wilson has been found and is safe.

4. Frequently Asked Question of the Week

Q: When do Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance applications open?
2025–2026 year: opens March 15, 2025; closes June 25, 2025, 5 pm MDT. Winter/Spring 2026: opens Sept. 25, 2025; closes Nov. 25, 2025, 5 pm MST.
Required: online application, transcripts, FAFSA, Financial Need Analysis, admission letter. New applicants need a Certificate of Indian Blood; some also need a degree checklist or class schedule.
Submit by mail, hand-delivery, or certified e-transcripts.

5. Life Lesson

Education is a path to sovereignty, identity, and balance — rooted in Sa'ah Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóón.
As Chief Manuelito described, education is the ladder — lifting individuals and pushing the Nation toward opportunity and harmony.

6. Accomplishments

Low Mountain South Broadband Tower completed April 16, 2026. Began Nov. 2020 (CARES Act), restarted 2022 (NTIA). Investment: $1M+ ($830K tower, $54K power, $153K transport, $390K equipment). Part of $50M initiative reaching 3,400+ homes.
Ramah Senior Center legislation signed (CAP-27-26), allocating $7,423,149.02 from the Síhasin Fund. The original $184M package did not include Ramah; this corrects that gap. Appreciation to Delegate Norman Begay.
Dept. of Child Care and Development received 23 new vehicles. Recognition to Ms. Deannah Nezwood-Gishey and Shiprock team.
Justice Day commemorated, honoring the judicial system established in 1959. Key projects: modular holding facilities (Shiprock, Fort Defiance), Kayenta Judicial Complex, Tsehootsoi Judicial Public Safety Center, Tohatchi Public Safety Complex.

7. Major Projects

FY 2027 Budget: calling for collaboration among all three branches. FY 2025 operated under a Continuing Resolution impacting 112 Chapters; FY 2026 required 16 legislative corrections. Legislation No. 0091-2026 proposes reducing the Executive Branch base by $897,597 while increasing Legislative and Judicial.
Ramah fiscal authority: letter signed supporting RNCOGC becoming its own fiscal agent for NM capital projects per Senate Bill 579.
NTUA began a 115kV transmission line between Bitahochee and Dilkon, AZ — 12.64 miles, May–Dec 2026.
Ramah Water Project: $10.1M Síhasin Fund investment (CD-55-22) to replace the drinking water system. Legislative options being explored to extend encumbrance deadline.

8. Meet and Greets

President Nygren ran the full Shiprock Marathon; First Lady Jasmine Blackwater Nygren completed the half marathon — together promoting healthy living across the Nation.

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