Greetings Relatives/Frens/Humans, the Navajo Nation Council Naabik’iyati Committee has scheduled a special two-day session, Oct. 10 & 11, 2023, to address a proposed agenda of 13 pieces of legislation and two reports.
There are actually 22 pieces of legislation. Nine of the 22 legislation are under a Consent Agenda, which allows the Navajo Council to have one vote on several pieces of legislation and no debate. The Naabik’iyati Committee and the Navajo Council usually place “non-controversial legislation” on their Consent Agenda. But if a Council Delegate has a question regarding a legislation on the Consent Agenda, the legislation will be removed from the Consent Agenda.
LEGISLATION 0236-23, which urges Congress to approve U.S. Senate Bill 2970 and House Resolution 5822, Replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, is on the Consent Agenda. Navajo Nation Council Delegate Cherilyn Yazzie is sponsoring 0236-23.
On Oct. 6, Council Delegate Cherilyn Yazzie introduced 0236-23 for the Naabik’íyatí to consider. “I certainly do not take credit for this legislation because this idea to replace Columbus Day started a long time ago,” Yazzie stated in an Oct. 9, 2023, press release. “These Indigenous led movements give us the opportunity to bring us back into balance with our sacred Mother Earth, to our water, to ourselves and each other, I thank our ancestors for praying for us. I do my best to make their prayers come true.”
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley stated, “Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes and honors the contributions of Native Americans for our country since time immemorial. We have a proud and honorable legacy in contributing to art, science, mathematics, architecture, government, and civil engineering. Tens of thousands of Navajo people have proudly served in the armed forces and fought in battle to protect the freedom of all Americans. Let us come together to remember and pray for our ancestors and future generations to come.”
The first legislation that is scheduled to go before the Naabik’iyati is LEGISLATION 0080-23, which seeks Council Approval of a Moratorium on all Future Allocations from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (UUFB), the Síhasin Fund, and the Permanent Fund Income. Navajo Council Delegate Carl R. Slater is sponsoring 0080-23.
According to the Naabik’iyati’s proposed Oct. 12 & 13, 2023, agenda, Legislation 0080-23 went before the Navajo Council on Aug. 24, 2923, where Council Delegates Norman M. Begay and Steven R. Arviso motioned to Table 0080-23 to hold a Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Work Session before the Navajo Council Fall Session, which is scheduled for Oct. 23 to27, 2023. Naabi voted 14 in Favor, 2 Opposed.
A Naabik’íyáti’ Work Session was held Oct. 10, 2023.
LEGISLATION 0202-23 seeks Navajo Council approval to Amend Navajo Nation Code Title 26 to Allow for Virtual Attendance at the Navajo Nation’s 110 Chapter meetings. Navajo Council Delegate Vince R. James is sponsoring 0202-23.
LEGISLATION 0139-23 also seeks Navajo Council to Repeal Navajo Nation Code Title 9 section 2 (C) of the Dine Marriage Act of 2005, to Uniformly Recognize All Marriages Within the Navajo Nation; and Amend Other Provisions in Navajo Nation Code Title 9 Related to Marriage Within the Navajo Nation. Navajo Council Delegate Seth Damon is sponsoring 0139-23.
And LEGISLATION 0217-23, which only requires Naabik’íyáti’ action, Confirms the Appointment of Derrick Watchman to the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises Board of Directors for a Four-Year Term. Navajo Council Delegate Otto Tso is the prime sponsor and Council Delegate Brenda Jesus is the co-sponsor.
Ahe’hee for Keeping an Eye on Navajo Government and May Peace Prevail on Mother Earth!
NAABIK’ÍYÁTI’ COMMITTEE OF THE 25th NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Call-in Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 928 871 7160
Passcode: 86515
Livestream will be available online on YouTube: www.youtube.com/navajonationcouncil
Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ)
Thursday, October 12, 2023 – 10 AM & Friday, Oct 13, 2023 – 10 AM
PROPOSED AGENDA
PRESIDING CHAIR: Honorable Crystalyne Curley, Speaker, 25th Navajo Nation Council
BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE, HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND HUMAN SERVICES COMM.; RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMM.; LAW & ORDER COMMITTEE
Hon. Shaandiin Parrish (c) Hon. Vince R. James (c) Hon. Brenda Jesus (c) Hon. Eugenia Charles-Newton (c) Hon. Carl R. Slater (vc) Hon. Germaine Simonson (vc) Hon. Casey A. Johnson (vc) Hon. Cherilyn Yazzie (vc) Hon. Lomardo Aseret Hon. Helena Nez Begay Hon. Shawna A. Claw Hon. Steven R. Arviso Hon. Norman M. Begay Hon. Dr. Andy Nez Hon. Rickie Nez Hon. Herman M. Daniels Hon. Amber Kanazbah Crotty Hon. George H. Tolth Hon. Danny Simpson Hon. Nathan Notah Hon. Seth Damon Hon. Curtis Yanito Hon. Otto Tso (C) Chair & (VC) Vice-Chair
- CALL MEETING TO ORDER; ROLL CALL; INVOCATION
- RECOGNIZE GUESTS AND VISITING OFFICIALS (2 Minute Limit per Delegate)
- REVIEW AND ADOPT THE AGENDA
(m) (s) (v) - REVIEW AND ADOPT THE JOURNALS: August 15-18, 2023; August 24, 2023; September 5,
2023
(m) (s) (v) - RECEIVE REPORTS:
A. Report on Hiring for ARPA projects Presented by Arbin Mitchell, Division Director, NN Division of Community Development; Debbie Nez-Manuel, Division Director, NN Division of Human Resources; Nathaniel Brown, Deputy Division Director, NN Division of Human Resources; Tomicita Woodie, Human Resource Director, NN Division of Human Resources; W. Mike Halona, Division Director, NN Division of Natural Resources; Tom Platero, Executive Director, NN Fiscal Recovery Fund Office
(m) (s) (v)
B. Report regarding the Impacts of a Possible Government Shutdown and the 45-day Continuing Resolution.
Presented by Greg Mehojah, Director, Navajo Area BIA; Cheryl Curley, Tribal Operation’s Specialist, Navajo Area BIA; Marquis Yazzie, Director, Navajo Area IHS; and Emily Arviso, Navajo Regional Director, BIE.
(m) (s) (v) - OLD BUSINESS:
A. LEGISLATION 0080-23: An Action Relating to the Budget and Finance Committee, The Naabik’íyáti Committee, and the Navajo Nation Council; Approving a Moratorium on all Future Allocations from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (“UUFB”), the Síhasin Fund, and Permanent Fund Income
SPONSOR: Honorable Carl R. Slater
(m) (s) (v)
08/24/23 – Motion to Table Legislation 0080-23 to hold a Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Work Session before the Navajo Nation Council Fall Session; Motioned by Hon. Norman M. Begay; Seconded by Hon. Steven R. Arviso; Vote: 14 in Favor, 02 Opposed (Chairwoman Curley not voting).
10/09/23 – Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Work Session - NEW BUSINESS:
A. CONSENT AGENDA
LEGISLATION 0226-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti Committee; Amending CMY-36-23, The Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Delegate Region Project Plan for Honorable Cutis Yanito’s Delegate Region (Chapters: Mexican Water, To’Łikan, Tees Nos Pos, Aneth, Red Mesa), To Include Additional Projects for This Delegate Region (2/3 vote required pursuant to resolution CAU-74-23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Curtis Yanito
LEGISLATION 0229-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Approving the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Delegate Region Project Plan for Honorable Rickie Nez’s Delegate Region (Chapters: T’iistoh Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fruitland, Tse’ Daa’ Kaan, Newcomb, San Juan) (2/3 vote required pursuant to resolution CAU-74-23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Rickie Nez
LEGISLATION 0233-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Amending CJY-53-23 and CAP-20-23, the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Delegate Region Project Plan for Honorable Nathan Notah’s Delegate Region (Chapters: Coyote Canyon, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Tohatchi, Bahastl’a’a’), to Include Additional Projects for this Delegate Region (2/3 vote required pursuant to resolution CAU-74-23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Nathan Notah
LEGISLATION 0216-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Concurring with the Navajo Nation President to Accept a Donation of $15,000.00 to the Navajo Nation Boys and Girls Club of Diné Youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Native American Endowment Fund.
SPONSOR: Honorable Andy Nez
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Shawna Ann Claw
LEGISLATION 0220-23: An Action Relating to the Resource and Development Committee and Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Supporting United States Senate Bill 1898, Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Plan Amendments Act of 2023
SPONSOR: Honorable Danny Simpson
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Casey Allen Johnson
LEGISLATION 0225-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Concurring with the Navajo Nation President to Accept a Donation of $2,000.00 from Williams J. Bartley and a Donation of $2,000.00 from Moze and Mary Meeker to the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance for the Benefit of Navajo Students Pursuing Postsecondary Education
SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
LEGISLATION 0228-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti Committee; Supporting United States Senate Bill S.1751 and House Bill H.R. 4426, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendment of 2023
SPONSOR: Honorable Amber Kanazbah Crotty
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Carl R. Slater
LEGISLATION 0235-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Supporting Advanced Appropriations and Mandatory Funding for the Indian Health Service (Eligible for Action 10/12/23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Crystalyne Curley
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Shaandiin Parrish
LEGISLATION 0236-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Supporting United States Senate Bill 2970 and House Resolution 5822, Replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Eligible for Action 10/12/23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Cherilyn Yazzie
(m) (s) (v)
B. LEGISLATION 0208-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee and Navajo Nation Council; Amending CJY-65-23 and CMY-42-23, the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Delegate Region Project Plan for Honorable Danny Simpson’s Delegate Region (Chapters: Becenti, Lake Valley, Nahodishgish, Standing Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, Nageezi, Crownpoint), to Include Additional Projects for this Delegate Region (2/3 vote required pursuant to resolution CAU-74-23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Danny Simpson
(m) (s) (v)
C. LEGISLATION 0215-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti Committee and Navajo Nation Council; Amending CJY-67-23, The Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Delegated Region Project Plan for Honorable George H. Tolth’s Delegated Region (Chapters: Littlewater, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake, Baca/Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Ojo Encino, Counselor), To Include Additional Projects for this Delegate Region (2/3 vote required pursuant to resolution CAU-74-23)
SPONSOR: Honorable George H. Tolth
(m) (s) (v)
D. LEGISLATION 0227-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti Committee; Amending CAU-75-23 and CJY-57-23 and CD-67-22, the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Delegate Region Project Plan for Honorable Amber Kanazbah Crotty’s Delegate Region (Chapters; Cove, Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Red Valley, Tooh Haltsooi’, Tse’Alnaozt’i’i’, Beclabito, Gahiiahi/To’koi), To include Additional Projects for this Delegate Region (2/3 vote required pursuant to resolution CAU-74-23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Amber Kanazbah Crotty
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Carl R. Slater
(m) (s) (v)
E. LEGISLATION 0237-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Amending CJY-55-23 and CAP-19-23 and CD-68-22, The Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Delegate Region Project Plan for Honorable Andy Nez, Ph.D.’s Delegate Region (Chapters: Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill), to Include Additional Projects for this Delegate Region (2/3 vote required pursuant to resolution CAU-74-23) (Eligible for Action 10/12/23)
SPONSOR: Honorable Andy Nez
(m) (s) (v)
F. LEGISLATION 0202-23: An Act Relating to the Law and Order Committee, Resources and Development Committee, Naabik’íyáti’ Committee, and the Navajo Nation Council; Amending Title 26 of the Navajo Nation Code to Allow for Virtual Attendance at Chapter Meetings
SPONSOR: Honorable Vince R. James
(m) (s) (v)
G. LEGISLATION 0203-23: An Act Relating to the Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Amending the Navajo Nation Procurement Act as 12 N.N.C. §301- §307 and Amending the Navajo Nation Business Opportunity Act 5 N.N.C. §201 – §215
SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Shaandiin Parrish
(m) (s) (v)
H. LEGISLATION 0231-23: An Action Relating to the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee, the Budget and Finance Committee, the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee, and the Navajo Nation Council: Approving $3,000,000 From the Síhasin Fund to Navajo Preparatory School for a New Student Housing Building; Approving the Related Expenditure Plan
SPONSOR: Honorable Andy Nez
(m) (s) (v)
I. LEGISLATION 0232-23: An Action Relating to the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee, the Budget and Finance Committee, the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee, and the Navajo Nation Council; Approving $2,130,804 From the Síhasin Fund for Coyote Canyon Rehabilitation Center, Inc. for New Modular Building and Infrastructure; Approving the Related Expenditure Plan
SPONSOR: Honorable Nathan Notah
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Crystalyne Curley
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Danny Simpson
(m) (s) (v)
J. LEGISLATION 0139-23: An Act Relating to the Health, Education and Human Services, Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti Committees and the Navajo Nation Council; Repealing 9 N.N.C. § 2 (C) of the Dine Marriage Act of 2005, to Uniformly Recognize All Marriages Within the Navajo Nation; and Amending Other Provisions in Title 9 of the Navajo Nation Code Related to Marriage Within the Navajo
Nation
SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Eugenia Charles-Newton
(m) (s) (v)
K. LEGISLATION 0212-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Appointing the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Representatives to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee Title II Reform Subcommittee
SPONSOR: Honorable Curtis Yanito
(m) (s) (v)
L. LEGISLATION 0217-23: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Confirming the Appointment of Derrick Watchman to the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises Board of Directors for a FourYear Term
SPONSOR: Honorable Otto Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Brenda Jesus
(m) (s) (v)
M. LEGISLATION 0222-23: An Action Relating to Naabik’íyáti’ Committee; Confirming the Appointment of Mr. Marcus Denetdale to Serve on the Navajo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to Fill the 6 N.N.C. § 606 (B) Position of the “Construction Management or Engineering or Business Management or Equivalent Field Experience with Background in Indian Housing or Federal Housing”
SPONSOR: Honorable Crystalyne Curley
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Brenda Jesus
(m) (s) (v) - CLOSE OF MEETING; ANNOUNCEMENTS; ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The public is advised that the Navajo Nation Council Agenda and the Agendas of the Standing Committees are not final until adopted by a majority vote of the Navajo Nation Council or the Standing Committee at a Navajo Nation Council or a Standing Committee meeting pursuant to 2 N.N.C. §§163 and 183, Navajo Nation Council Rule of Order No. 7, and Standing Committee Rule of Order No. 8.
Livestream will be available online at: YouTube: www.youtube.com/navajonationcouncil
