Council recesses again but this time due to Solar Eclipse
WINDOW ROCK
In respect of the solar eclipse, which will take effect from 3 p.m. to about 6 p.m. local time, the Navajo Nation Council agreed Thursday to recess until it passes.
Council delegate Elmer Begay, who is a traditional Navajo practitioner, requested for the three-hour recess. The Council recessed around 2 p.m. and won’t reconvene until about 5 p.m.
This is the second time the Council has recessed this week during its fall session, which began Monday. Today is the first day that the Council is also considering bills from its agenda. On Tuesday, the body recessed in an effort to fill two vacant positions on the Council so those 12 chapters could have a voice, and, according to Chief Legislative Counsel Levon Henry, the body is lawfully able to convene as a 22-member legislature.
By the time 2 p.m rolled around, the Council was addressing old items under its legislative agenda. They recessed at the request of Begay and the solar eclipse.
“I am a Christian, but I have a lot of respect for Navajo culture,” said Council delegate Joshua Lavar Butler. “That’s who we really are at the root of it.”
Butler’s colleague Jonathan Nez, who is also a Christian, added that it’s important to respect the cultural beliefs of his fellow legislators, which is why he didn’t refuse to take the short recess.
“If decisions can’t be made (during the eclipse), then we should respect that,” Nez added.
During this three-hour time frame of the solar eclipse, Begay said that people should take time and honor the natural laws of the universe and solar system.
“If we respect the law in which it says we have the right to choose our leader, this is our leader,” Begay said about the natural occurrence. “It’s beyond everyone’s power.”
It is expected, Begay said, that people should sit still and honor the solar eclipse by not eating, drinking or even having sex.
“You’re supposed to be holy,” he added.
For constituent Sarah White, of Sanostee, N.M. the solar eclipse is just not only a natural occurrence but a sign to respect the natural laws, particularly when it comes to Navajo culture and language.
Specifically, White was referring to three different bills on the Council’s agenda could possibly eliminate the Navajo fluency requirement for elected positions, including the presidency and vice presidency positions.
“There’s a reason why it happened because our way of life is on this legislative agenda,” White said. “It’s telling us to leave it alone. ”
Whited added the eclipse is a sign that essentially is reminding the Navajo people amid the election drama surrounding presidential candidate Christopher Clark Deschene that “We’re not living a Hozho life.”
Once the Council reconvenes after the solar eclipse passes, the body will likely consider those language fluency bills, sponsored by Council delegates Danny Simpson, Leonard Tsosie and Lorenzo Curley.
Highway 264,
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