Letters | Waylon, Cash knew
Waylon, Cash knew
Editor,
With the Navajo Nation nearing the 2026 presidential election, I’m less interested in the 2022 campaign consequences than in pop cultural memory. The kind that lasts because it tells common sense plainly.
In September 1984, Waylon Jennings remade the song “America” and included a line that remains uncomfortable in its relevance: the red man is right, to expect a little from you: promise and then follow through. The point was not the wording. The point was the standard. Waylon placed Native people squarely inside the moral contract of this country.
That assumption feels sharper today than much of our political discourse in Wááshindoon dóó Tségháhoodzání.
Waylon’s music did not ask listeners to feel sympathy. It assumed accountability was owed. That alone distinguished it from the way Native issues are often handled now, wrapped in ceremonial slogans but detached from results.
Johnny Cash went further. In “Navajo,” he did something rare. He named us. Not symbolically, but geographically: Crownpoint, Gallup, Arizona and The Land of Enchantment. He did not romanticize Diné life or freeze it in the past. He witnessed it.
This was not incidental. In 1964, Cash released “Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian,” a concept album that openly confronted the treatment of Native people. When radio stations refused to play it, Cash responded with a public letter published in Billboard magazine, calling out the industry’s lack of courage, “Where are your guts?” He was not asking permission. He was demanding integrity.
That same integrity is worth revisiting now.
The generation of leadership that governs Diné Bikéyah today grew up on this music. So did I. These songs are not nostalgic artifacts. They are background truth, part of the air Diné life still moves through. And what they normalized was dignity paired with expectation.
As the 2026 election approaches, voters should ask more than what candidates promise. They should ask what standards candidates believe the Navajo Nation deserves. Not rhetorically. Practically. Do they believe promises require timelines? Do they believe endurance should be met with results? Do they believe accountability is optional or fundamental?
These songs did not portray Diné as relics or victims frozen in time. They framed us as people who work, endure and expect results. If musicians half a century ago assumed Navajo people deserved competence, clarity, pride and follow-through, it is fair to ask why modern leadership sometimes appears comfortable offering less. Read the headlines on page A1 and the current turquoise and yellow promises – and outcomes. What would those men think, if they were still alive and read it on Thursdays. Waylon wasn’t a stranger to the Nation.
Pop culture cannot govern. It cannot pass budgets or deliver infrastructure. But it can remind people of how they were once seen, and more importantly, how they once expected to be treated. What feels increasingly absent is the shared expectation that leadership must rise to meet Diné endurance rather than rely on it.
Today, Americana is back in a very real way. Rodeo culture is resurgent. Events like the National Finals Rodeo and Indian rodeos draw national attention. Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2024. Taylor Sheridan’s films and series. At the same time, the Navajo Nation sits at the center of defining battles: the protection of Bears Ears, renewed pressure around uranium transport and mining near Tsoodził, unresolved water access for thousands of families, and the ongoing fight for fair access and representation within American democracy.
As voters and candidates, we should demand leaders who do not confuse antifragility with consent or patience with permission. Leaders who understand that dignity is not inherited automatically. It is accumulated through competence, accountability and follow-through.
The music remembered that. We should too.
Nicholas House
Prewitt, N.M.
Enough excuses
Editor,
I spoke with the family of Karson today, Jan. 17, they were unable to say much due to the upcoming hearing. However, they want to let the Navajo people know they want real change and accountability. They had to listen to Stanley Begay, 67, and listen to listen to all the excuses lawyers made for their client, then hear Mr. Begay say the words, “Not guilty.”
Laws need to be changed. The Navajo Nation needs to hold people responsible for their actions with better laws. This can only be accomplished by our elected officials who need to advocate on their behalf – to Congress and can be further advocated by the Navajo Nation president. We are not sovereign if we cannot hold people responsible and take away their privilege of driving if they abuse their privilege. We Navajos are restricted from enforcing sensible justice by the Indian Rights Act of 1968.
This unfortunate tragedy is not the only one that has happened to this family, it has happened to so many family members. So I ask the Navajo people to step up and also write to their congressional representative as well. Our laws need to be upgraded. Our people need better enforcement. We have people disappearing – our missing and murdered Diné relatives are unaccounted for.
Our elected officials are not addressing these issues – what are they doing? They are meeting – talking, talking and talking. Then they have a meeting for a meeting – but have they met with our elected officials in Congress, have they made contact with our fellow tribal leaders to build a coalition to help change congressional laws?
I did ask if our Navajo Nation president, Buu Nygren, has personally reached out to this family – and they said as of today, he has not. Why hasn’t our Navajo Nation president met with this family to offer his condolences, it’s already Jan. 17 (as of this writing) and why hasn’t their Council delegate reached out as well.
This election in 2026, please pay attention to who you are voting for. Ensure you are registered and remember if you don’t vote you are not using your power to pick the right people you think are right for the job – and remember to ask them questions. Ask them what they can do for you, as a Navajo people, because so far there is little change at all. Ask them the hard questions. I ask the Navajo people to say a prayer for those who lost a young child and to pray to comfort the family who lost their child Mollie at Coalmine yesterday as well.
Sean A. Begaye
Ret. U.S. Army captain, Navajo Nation presidential candidate
Ft. Defiance, Ariz.
President delivers books
Editor,
I met to release this soon after the event. But I was stricken with medical issues. I was school principal at Chilchinbeto Community School then. I was informed by our front office assistant, Farrah Begay, that President Buu Nygren was scheduled to visit our school on February 13, 2025, around 2 p.m. It was confirmed!
When I announced it to the students, teachers and staff they were all happy and excited that the Navajo Nation president was coming to CCS. We only had two days to prepare and get ready for a Navajo presidential visit. The purpose of the president’s visit was to deliver books to our students, wow!
I immediately consulted the student council sponsor, Marlene Laughter, a teacher, about President Nygren’s visit and the student council’s involvement. The students were to be forefront and were excited. The council, sponsor, teachers and staff all teamed up and prepared for the Navajo presidential visit. Miss and Mister CCS were also involved in the preparation.
The day of President Buu Nygren’s visit, the CCS Student Council, and the school was ready. The parents were invited. The CCS Council and royalty met the president and his entourage at the entrance door and invited them in with handshakes and smiles.
“Welcome to our school Mister President,” said the CCS Student Council president. President Nygren was smiling, polite, congenial and greeted the students. I also shook hands with the president and welcomed him and his entourage.
The student council had a special entrance and once president Dr. Nygren entered the gym, the CCS Student Council president announced to the students, staff and parents in the gymnasium “the president of the Navajo Nation, Dr. Buu Nygren!” The kindergarten teacher and her class had prepared a beautifully designed banner posted in front of the audience. The banner welcomed President Nygren and his entourage to CCS of about eight staff members.
As the festivities began, Dr. Nygren briefly addressed the audience and their purpose for the visit to CCS. He introduced himself and his staff. Dr. Nygren informed the students, “We brought some books for you. I will also read to you.” The president read to the students in the Navajo Language. He explained what he read. The students were attentive and listened.
Dr. Nygren displayed the beautiful pictures from the books. He read to all level K-8. After he was done the students and audience gave thunderous applause! His staff passed out brand new Navajo books to the students. They were smiling and saying, “Thank you.” Navajo Language and reading were major emphasis by the president. The books were presented with the Navajo Division of Children and Family Services. In my observation and opinion, the president performed a splendid job of reading to the all the students.
Dr. Nygren once wrote, “Diné Bizaad is power, our language is more words. It is our connection to our ancestors, our teachings and future. The ability to speak and write in Diné Bizaad strengthens our identity and ensures our culture remains strong.” On February 13 he delivered that to our students.
The student council president presented Dr. Nygren with a CCS New School Replacement document and asked him for his help on the NSR initiative by the school board, students, parents, staff and community. The president acknowledged.
The dean of students, the front office assistant and food service staff had prepared food and snacks, which were served to the president and his staff.
It was a wonderful day for CCS. Thank you, Mister President and your staff, for coming to CCS, delivering beautiful Navajo oriented books and reading to our students.
Eugene Charley
Former principal, Chilchinbeto Community School
Kayenta, Ariz.
IJRA turns 50
Editor,
The 50th Anniversary of the Indian Junior Rodeo Association (IJRA) Celebration Awards and Banquet were presented on Saturday, January 17. It was absolutely awesome and festive. As my family and I entered the main convention center at Red Rocks State Park in Gallup, New Mexico, I could feel the excitement. The large convention center was beautifully decorated and awards displayed in front. We were invited by the IJRA Board.
The awards program started soon after we were seated. Bellamie Presley, the IJRA President, gave the welcome address and speech to the audience of contestants Midget to Senior Girls and Boys Divisions (IJRA imports multi-divisions). The audience included parents, grandparents, supporters, IJRA Board, sponsors and well-wishers. Miss IJRA was present as well. The convention center was full.
I was also given the opportunity to speak. My topic was entitled “Winning: The Final Analysis.” This was based on my life, also as a Navajo educator and former bull rider. I also thanked the audience and IIRA Board for their untiring work with youth in junior rodeos for 50 years. I congratulated the contestants. They received horse equipment, all members received jackets, as the president announced. They were presented with buckles, pictures and all-around saddles. As the founder of IJRA (April 12, 1975) I received a jacket.
In the banquet the audience were served steak and Mexican food. It was delicious!
A motivational presentation was presented by a young person. Vice President Bannie Yazzie also spoke to the youth and audience. Charlie Willie, the timed events stock provider, prayed for the event.
Before my family and I left I thanked everyone again and wished the contestants well for the coming 2026 rodeo season. The IJRA Board for an excellent 50th IJRA Celebration Awards program.
Eugene Charley
IJRA founder
Kayenta, Ariz.
Wall of remembrance
Editor, friends and relatives,
I am reaching out with purpose, pride and deep respect to our surrounding community churches, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (Rock Point), God’s Grace Fellowship (Rock Point), Builders Of Hope (Rock Point) and Hooghan síaní Bible Church (Sweetwater). Rock Point Veterans Monument Memorial Park, Diné Warriors American Soldiers, a sacred place of honor dedicated to all veterans, men and women from every background, tribe, community and branch of service who answered the call to serve, carried the weight of duty and defended this Nation with courage, and to the Gold Star Mothers who carry the enduring sacrifice of that service.
This memorial park is not a burial site. It is a place of remembrance, a Wall of Remembrance created to honor the names, stories and sacrifices of veterans and to recognize the strength, love and loss of Gold Star Mothers. It is a space for reflection, respect and gratitude, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
This is more than a project. It is a lasting legacy. It is our way of lifting the names of warriors and honoring the families who stood behind them. Our veterans served with courage, and our Gold Star Mothers bore the greatest cost. Now it is our responsibility to stand for them both.
I am promoting for immediate relatives to come together in unity and strength to help support this mission. Your support, your voice and your presence matter. There are many ways you can be part of this effort:
Share ideas on what the memorial and Wall of Remembrance should include. Contribute names, photos and stories of veterans and Gold Star families to be honored. Participate in planning discussions to help shape the memorial park. Support fundraising or donations to help move the project forward. Volunteer time during community events and future construction phases. Help spread the word so others understand the purpose and reach of this memorial.
Every veteran deserves to be honored with dignity and respect, and every Gold Star Mother deserves recognition for the sacrifice she carries. This memorial will reflect the same strength, honor and reverence.
This park is for all veterans. For Gold Star Mothers. For all families. For future generations who must never forget the cost of freedom.If you are ready to stand with me in honoring all who served and all who sacrificed, please reach out. Together, we can build something meaningful, lasting and worthy of their legacy.
Randolph T. Begay Jr.
Rock Point, Ariz.
Rescue at Chains
In 1987 or 1988, I met a family of four from Zuni, New Mexico. A mother, father and two children – a daughter and son.
The family was on a swimming trip to the Chains by the Lake Powell dam. Not long after arriving, the kids got into trouble while in the water with the father also entering the water to help. I helped all of them out of the water to shore. Lives could have been lost that day, including myself, but we all survived. I’m sure it was a very traumatic experience for the family that day. I just remember the mother telling me that they were from Zuni, New Mexico. They left right after the incident.
I was told by one of my friends (since passed) who was familiar with this incident that this family was looking for me through the Lake Powell Chronicle newspaper in early May of 1995 just before one of their kids’ graduation from high school.
If they should read this letter, maybe the family can reach me by my email address.
Jim Phillips
Shonto, Ariz.
Science next door
Editor,
The Navajo Nation’s untapped scientific powerhouse is right next door. New Mexico is blessed in ways few states can claim. Our region, including the Navajo Nation, sits atop abundant energy resources and is home to some of the most advanced scientific and engineering institutions in the world. Most states would give anything to have what New Mexico has: two U.S. national laboratories and one of the nation’s top science and engineering universities. Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and New Mexico Tech are not just state assets – they are national treasures. Yet the Navajo Nation has not fully tapped into these institutions, even as the tribe faces increasingly complex energy and technical challenges. That needs to change.
These organizations already maintain strong relationships with Navajo Technical University and San Juan College, which together serve nearly 6,000 Navajo students. Many Navajo scientists and engineers are already working inside the national laboratories and at New Mexico Tech. The talent exists. The connections exist. What’s missing is a coordinated effort to leverage these resources for the nation’s long-term benefit.
The truth is straightforward: the Navajo Nation does not currently have the internal scientific and engineering capacity needed to evaluate today’s high-stakes energy decisions. Industry has that expertise. National research institutions have that expertise. And unlike industry, the national laboratories and New Mexico Tech can serve as independent, trusted advisors – offering objective, science-based guidance without financial interests attached.
New Mexico and the federal government rely on these institutions constantly. They turn to them for everything from energy planning to environmental analysis to national security research. If states and federal agencies depend on these scientific powerhouses to guide billion-dollar decisions, why shouldn’t the Navajo Nation?
Good science leads to good decisions. And good decisions lead to economic prosperity.
The energy landscape is shifting rapidly, creating opportunities in hydrogen, carbon management, renewables, advanced manufacturing and grid modernization. The Navajo Nation has the land, the resources and the strategic location to participate in all of it. But opportunity doesn’t materialize on its own. It begins with jobs – high-paying, technical jobs that could bring home some of the 250,000 Navajos currently living off the reservation.
The Nation doesn’t need to look far for partners. Los Alamos, Sandia, and New Mexico Tech are practically in the tribe’s backyard. These institutions want to collaborate. They want to support tribal students, tribal governments and tribal communities. And Navajo Technical University and San Juan College have already laid the groundwork with strong, growing partnerships.
What the Nation needs now is commitment. Commitment to science, to education, and to building the technical capacity required to make informed decisions about its own future.
Without strong scientific and engineering guidance, the Navajo Nation risks missing out on economic opportunities that could transform communities for generations. With the right partners, the Nation can open the door to new industries, new jobs and new possibilities.
The path forward is clear: strengthen partnerships with the region’s scientific institutions, support the tribal colleges that are building these bridges, and embrace the expertise that can help the Navajo Nation chart a prosperous, self-determined future.
Samuel Begay Sr.
Shiprock, N.M.
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