Guest Essay

Often Indigenous people must “prove” who they are and why their values and beliefs are relevant in this so-called “dominant” society.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic reached new heights across the country and in tribal communities, the Navajo people overcame major barriers and turned out in record numbers in the 2020 election.

He has come to San Carlos Apache Reservation to join his longtime friend of 30 years, Wendsler Nosie Sr., spiritual leader of the Apache Stronghold, on an important spiritual convoy that begins this week to the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco for a hearing on the 22nd where the Apache religion will be on trial, a religion that seeks to protect not only sacred Oak Flat from destruction, but to protect all of Mother Earth and all the future generations to come.

Since this past summer, we have engaged in an extensive listening tour to identify our state’s various “communities of interest” and hear from citizens as to what they believe is important in drawing district lines. I was honored to attend each of the 19 public hearings to date across 47 locations and thank the over 1,000 dedicated citizens who participated.

Recently, the Navajo Nation’s fiscal year 2022 comprehensive budget was signed into law through Resolution CS-49-21, which includes full funding for veterans, Department of Criminal Investigations, prosecutors, new vans to deliver meals and provide transportation for Navajo elders, and many more direct services for our youth, elders and community needs. The new budget took effect on Oct. 1, 2021.