Tribal officials pause disputed $500,000 DV shelter funds as questions mount over intent

Posted by Donovan Quintero | Jan 15, 2026 | News |

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation officials have paused action on a disputed $500,000 Arizona allocation for women’s shelter and social services as questions continue over whether the funding was intended specifically for Amá Dóó Áłchíní Bíghan Inc., a Chinle-based domestic violence and sexual assault crisis program, or whether tribal procurement rules required the money to be opened to competitive bidding.

The issue was discussed at length during a Tuesday Zoom meeting that brought together Navajo Nation lawmakers, community advocates and officials from the Division for Children and Family Services. At the center of the dispute is how the funding was handled after it reached the Navajo Nation from the state of Arizona and whether the original intent of the appropriation was lost once it entered the tribal system.

ADABI Executive Director Lorena Halwood told participants she had already provided documentation supporting her position that the money was meant for ADABI.

“I emailed you the letter from Rep. (Myron) Tsosie,” Halwood said early in the meeting. “You should have it, but that’s where we’re at.”

The funding traces back to an Arizona budget bill that appropriated $500,000 to the Arizona Department of Economic Security to distribute to the Navajo Nation for women’s shelters and social services. Halwood said the funding was publicly announced as intended for ADABI, including during a provider conference attended by Arizona state Rep. Myron Tsosie, President Buu Nygren and Speaker Crystalyne Curley in October, which was held in Chinle.

To read the full article, please see the Jan. 15, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.

Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.