Written by Marshall Baker
Navajo Times
Chandler, Arizona
On January 14, Navajo Nation President Boo Nygren takes the stage to deliver the Navajo Nation Address at Grayhills Academy High School in Tuba City.
This second event will review President Nygren and his administration’s accomplishments in 2024, goals for 2025, and changes made to resolve issues within the executive branch.
Along with President Nygren, 20 executive branch heads and staff will speak about the program and its developments. Not all are listed, but some of the department heads scheduled to speak include Mike Halona, deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources. Candice Yazzie, Executive Director of Community Development; Michael Anderson, Executive Director of the Department of Public Safety; Stephen Ezzitti, executive director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, and Bobby Ann Baldwin, executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“This is a great opportunity for the public to learn first-hand about President Nygren’s work and what they actually provide for the Navajo Nation,” said Nygren content creator Alastair Bitsoi.
At the same time as his speech, President Nygren will also sign two executive orders, one regarding the Diné Visard and the other regarding dividend payments.
The daylong event will also feature guest speakers, cultural presentations, a complimentary luncheon, entertainment, and program booths. Chenille Jones, Deanna Naniver Talley and Joe Tohony Jr. will give cultural presentations. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with President Nygren’s speech from 11 a.m. to noon. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend, and lunch will be provided to all.
“We’re going to mix things up and keep people informed and entertained for as long as they can while they’re there,” said George Hardeen, Nygren’s communications director.
Similar to last year’s speech, President Nygren will highlight issues resolved during the calendar year and various advances within the Navajo Nation. Services such as access to housing, electricity and water are high priorities among the Navajo Nation and will be among the many topics addressed in President Nygren’s speech.
The Nygren government sees 2024 as a major success as it addresses unique environmental issues such as opposition to uranium mining and obtaining water rights. The Government looks forward to sharing its achievements and future plans. “We are reviewing a number of pages and beginning to edit them,” Hardeen said. “It’s a great process because the list is long.”
The first iteration of the event last year was primarily about the nation’s recovery after the pandemic. “I’m here today to say we’re getting back on our feet and we can build a bright future,” President Nygren said in his first Address to the Navajo Nation in 2024.
The Nygren Administration encourages the public to participate. If you are unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, as well as televised in conjunction with Navajo Nation Television and Movies.
Looking ahead, President Nygren is scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address on the first day of the winter board meeting on January 27th.
