Happy Holidays from the 23rd Navajo Nation Council

Posted by Navajo Times | Dec 23, 2015 | Guest Essay |

By LoRenzo Bates
Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council
Special to the Times

On behalf of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council and on behalf of the Navajo Nation Legislative Branch, I wish all of our Navajo people throughout the Navajo Nation a safe and wonderful holiday season!

As we celebrate the holidays with our families and loved ones, please remember to spend time with your mother, father, and grandparents during this cold winter season. Please check on your elders and make sure that they have wood for their stoves, food on their table, and that they are well taken care of.

I also ask you to remember all of our Diné men and women serving in the Armed Forces throughout our country and the world. We are proud to have many of our own people serving and protecting our country.

Last month, the Navajo Nation Legislative Branch sent care packages to over 50 Navajo men and women serving in the military overseas. We are pleased to be informed that the care packages have begun to arrive overseas in time for the holidays.

Those stationed overseas are not able to be home with their families and loved ones during the holidays – so I ask you to please keep them in your thoughts and to pray for their safe return home.

I also thank my Council colleagues for their assistance in delivering treat bags to our elderly people at senior centers throughout the Navajo Nation in the spirit of the holidays.

Lastly, I want to recognize and congratulate our Navajo cowboys Erich Rogers, Aaron Tsinigine, and Derrick Begay for their outstanding performances and for their great representation of the Navajo Nation at the 2015 National Finals Rodeo! The Council also congratulates Aaron Tsinigine for winning the World Championship Team Roping event!

Their hard work and dedication are a great example for our Navajo youth and we are honored to have our own people performing very well at the highest level of competition.

Please do not drink and drive and please celebrate this time of year safely with your family and loved ones. On behalf of the 23rd Navajo Nation Council – Ahe’hee’