Navajo VP address culture, climate change in inaugural address

WINDOW ROCK

In his inaugural address, Vice President Jonathan Nez spoke of how he and Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye are a new era.

He began with how Begaye-Nez is the “Awakening of a New Dawn” and that he is honored by the chance to be the tribe’s vice president.

“We gather here to celebrate possibilities and perseverance of our people,” said Nez to the 4,000 or so Navajos that came to witness an historic day at the Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance.

Nez, who took his oath of office with his wife, Phefelia Herbert, and son, Christopher, by his side, also said that all Diné, no matter where they are located throughout the world, are connected by the principle of k’é.

The vice president also spoke of the importance of speaking and maintaining the Navajo language, noting that the Navajo worldview has a higher philosophy of life on when it comes to protecting Navajo’s resources.

At the press conference with Begaye following their inaugural address, Nez was asked several questions from reporters that included how to keep Navajo government relevant to all Navajo people and the issue of climate change and natural resource extraction of fossil fuels.

“Navajo language is inherent,” Nez said, adding that it’s an individual duty for citizens to practice Navajo culture and language. He also said that parents are a crucial element of teaching Navajo to their children and future generations.

Regarding climate change and natural resource exploration and how the Begaye-Nez administration plans to handle that, Nez noted the administration is aware of the environmental issues.

He said the current environmental crisis in Navajo is a result of previous administrations lacking direct oversight, such as the oil development happening on allotments in Eastern Navajo Agency. And that, he said, will change.

“I appreciate Russell bringing the folks together, and we’re moving toward green, solar energy,” Nez said, adding, “We have already had discussions with some of leaders that are leading the charge, at the front.”

---