Greetings Relatives/Frens/Humans, the Navajo Nation Council is in Day 3 of their annual five-day Winter Session, which started Monday, 1.24.22. I posted the Council’s Approved Winter Session agenda at the end of this post. If you wish to attend the Council Winter Session, there is info posted on the Approved Council Winter Session Agenda on how to attend via Teleconference and Social Media.
The Council uses its FB page, https://www.facebook.com/navajonationcouncil, to publicize the various Council events related to their Winter Session, such as the Human Trafficking Awareness Walk Monday, Elder Abuse Awareness & Wear Purple Day; Honoring Livestock & Wear Your Turquoise Day Wednesday.
A meeting between Speaker Seth Damon, Navajo Oil and Gas Company, a Navajo govt business, and communities opposing helium development by NOG Sunday is also on the Council FB page. Damon is sponsoring Legislation 0232-21, which seeks Council approval of three operating agreements for Navajo Oil & Gas to being exploring for helium in the Navajo communities of Tohachee Wash, Beautiful Mountain, and Porcupine Dome, where there are also sacred sites.
The following is an Announcement by Elouise Brown regarding a Anti-Helium Development Demonstration/Protest March from Basha’s in Window Rock, Ariz., to the Navajo Council Chambers, Window Rock, Ariz., starting at 9 a.m., Jan. 27, 2022: ·
ATTENTION & SHARE!!!!
CALLING ALL WHO OPPOSE Helium Extraction in TseAlnaozti’i, T’o sido, Littlewater, Porcupine area, Teecnospos, T’o ko’i area, Red Valley, Cove, anywhere on the Navajo Nation and Turtle Island…
Dooda (NO) Helium Extraction Protest March & Forum from Bashas to the
Navajo Nation Council Chambers
Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 9:00 AM.
All Mother Earth Protectors who would like to express their concerns are encouraged to attend and will have the opportunity to voice their reasons to:
Speaker Seth Damon, all the 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegates and the NN President Nez & Vice President Lizer.
Bring your signs and let us March in Unity to be heard!
505-439-8686 / 505-592-1453
~ Mother Earth Protectors, DHE ~
Dooda Helium: NO Helium Extraction in Sanostee, New Mexico https://www.change.org/p/navajo-nation-dood%C3%A1-helium-no-helium-extraction-in-sanostee-new-mexico?redirect=false&fbclid=IwAR2kWSLfb1CccBK2u-W45HalqysssdsrTcXoaPsl9i0mTtmcFSp37GgOa-s
The following is from Navajo Communities Opposing Helium Development by Navajo Oil & Gas Company: DOODA (NO) HELIUM, OIL, GAS, URANIUM, AND COAL EXTRACTION, OPPOSING ALL NATURAL RESOURCES AND MINERALS EXTRACTION IN THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN AND PORCUPINE DOME, LITTLEWATER, AND NIHOOKÁÁ’ DIYIN DINÉ’É BIKÉYAH INDIGENOUS HABITAT AREAS, AND PETITIONING THE NAVAJO NATION AND ITS ENTITIES TO RESPECT, SUPPORT, PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE NIHOOKÁÁ’ DIYIN DINÉ’É INDIGENOUS HABITAT AND PRIMAL RELIGION AND LAWS.
The Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é have grave concerns about the indigenous habitat due to helium, oil, and gas extraction by the Navajo Nation government, including Tse’ Al’ Na’ozt’i’ Chapter, and Navajo Oil and Gas (NOG), that is non-transparent, misinforming, conspiring, and coercing in violation of Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é philosophy, culture, and laws; AND,
The Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é oppose the extraction of helium, oil, and gas in the Beautiful Mountain, Porcupine Dome, Littlewater, and surrounding Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é Bikéyah indigenous habitat including our homelands, farms, grazing, cultural, religious, ceremonial areas, grounds, sites, and trails that are protected under Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é values and fundamental laws as well as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act which is a federal law protecting American Indian religions, lands, and traditions; AND,
The Sanostee Chapter is notorious for passing resolutions without community presence, permittees being involved in the informed consent resulting in an absence of relevant community input, opinions and vote, therefore, such resolutions are invalid and must be rescinded; AND,
Ch’ooshgai and Beautiful Mountain is sacred and of prominent Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é historical significance; AND,
Historically and culturally revered Indigenous habitats and sacred sites should be preserved, especially those actively used by the Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é, as they are threatened and endangered therefore need to be protected from extinction. These sacred sites should not be exploited (assault and nonconsensual penetration of mother earth) which thereby results in further insult to the Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é. Protection of sites off the Navajo Nation such as Bears Ears, Chaco Canyon, and others are to be included this these protective recommendations; AND,
The Navajo Nation government has noted that community’s voice to protect the Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é indigenous habitat, primal religion, and laws as “weak” or insignificant and refused to support or offer protection, thus a violation of the oath to protect the Navajo Nation Code (Title 1) among other protective laws; AND,
During the November 21, 2021 chapter meeting, the Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é requested a resolution to rescind the decisions on helium extraction but the Sanostee Chapter officials refused to honor the Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é request by refusing to put it on the agenda, claiming there was no resolution submitted, inappropriately tabling it, falsely telling the Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é it is already approved, favoring that funds would be available for the Chapter (not stated in the agreement); AND,
The Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é previous requests to reclaim and restore all previous exploited areas from uranium mines and oil and gas extractions, and to restore the ground water under Littlewater have not been honored and requests to disallow further exploitation and disturbance and to maintain environmental balance and healthy air, water, and soil without noise and light pollution remain unheard and unmet; AND,
The relationship between the Tse’ Al’ Na’ozt’i’ Chapter and Navajo Transitional Energy Corporation (NTEC) in requesting work orders and currency exchange indicates there is a favorable bias and is a conflict of interest, AND;
During the December 19, 2021 chapter meeting, the Nihookáá’ Diyin Diné’é requested to rescind an invalid resolution, since it did not have the consent of the people and inclusion of non-chapter voters, thus inappropriately issued for helium extraction but the Sanostee Chapter officials preferred a discussion at the planning meeting before presentation at the chapter meeting and the accepted a table motion that passed so it was requested to on the January agenda but there was not discussion at the January planning meeting and will proceed to the chapter meeting to rescind the invalid resolution, AND;
The people were excluded from participation in the work session on January 12, 2022, when it was disclosed the Sanostee Chapter officials were at a meeting in Albuquerque but the people were not informed, AND;
The Navajo Nation Council are misinformed and given contradictory information by NOG that states helium is only available in the four corners area and in Russia, yet in the same breath they say it is in the air we breathe all over the world.
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) does not represent the people, Navajo Nation representative said the royalties the people are asking for will jeopardize the money going to the tribe indicating it okay to take the money from the people and give it to the tribal government.
We the residents, voters, constituents, citizens, and allies OPPOSE the proposed helium extraction. None of us consented
Porcupine dome has a tsenaamaji’i (a sacred site) and there are many other sites in the area.
Navajo Oil and Gas is only talking to the chapter officials, Not residents. Community and residents left out. Why weren’t the residents included in the Albuquerque and all meetings? The residents oppose. Engaging with the chapter doesn’t mean community and residents Engagement. Many signed the petition opposing helium and the Dine Medicine Men Association resolution opposing it.
DOJ doesn’t represent the people. For instance, if a woman or child is harmed, the victim has to get their own attorney. Here Mother Earth is getting harmed, the Navajo Nation government is only looking at the money.
DOJ doesn’t mention the people. None consented, All agreements need to start with the residents. Sanostee Chapter resolution is invalid due to no permittee and residents’ consented, participated, and voted.
Navajo government is violating our rights, fundamentally, under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and American Indian Religious Freedom Act. https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
TSE’ Al NAOZTI’I’ CHAPTER RESIDENCE REQUESTS RESCINTION OF ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS THAT SUPPORTED HELIUM, OIL, GAS, URANIUM, AND COAL EXTRACTION, AND EXPRESS THEIR OPPOSITION TO ALL NATURAL RESOURCES AND MINERALS EXTRACTION IN THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN, PORCUPINE DOME, LITTLEWATER, AND NIHOOKÁÁ’ DIYIN DINÉ’É BIKÉYAH INDIGENOUS HABITAT AREAS, AND PETITION THE NAVAJO NATION AND ITS ENTITIES TO RESPECT AND SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION, PROTECTION, AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE NIHOOKÁÁ’ DIYIN DINÉ’É INDIGENOUS HABITAT AND PRIMAL CULTURAL, TRADITIONS, SPIRITUAL PRACTICES, TRADITIONAL NIHOOKÁÁ’ DIYIN DINÉ’É BELIEFS AND FUNDAMENTAL LAWS OF THE NIHOOKÁÁ’ DIYIN DINÉ’É.
It is now 10:24 am, 1.26.22, and the Council 21 in favor, 2 opposed to Remove Legislation 0209-21 and Legislation 0261-21 from their agenda.
Unofficial voting talley:
Elmer Begay Red; Kee Allen Begay Green; Paul Begay Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Eugenia Charles-Newton Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Herman Daniels Red; Mark Freeland Green; Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Green; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green; Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
Budget & Finance Committee member Amber Kanazbah Crotty asked Council to remove her Legislation 0209-21 to allow for more Council Delegates to Add their projects that were reviewed by Navajo Dept of Justice and found eligible for ARPA funding.
LEGISLATION 0209-21: An Action Relating to the Budget and Finance, Resources and Development, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Allocating $68,025,000 in Síhasin Funds for the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources to Complete Twelve (12) Water Connection Projects Across the Navajo Nation; and Approving the “2021 Water Connection Projects Expenditure Plan” Pursuant to 12 N.N.C §§ 2501-2508 (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Amber Kanazbah Crotty
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
Council Delegate Thomas Walker Jr. also asked the Council to remove his Legislation 0261-21 from the agenda. Walker did not give a reason.
LEGISLATION 0261-21: An Action Relating to an Emergency for Navajo Nation Council; Approving $1,808,538 in Supplemental Funding from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance for the 110 Navajo Nation Chapters’ Emergency Fund Accounts; Waiving 12 N.N.C. § 820(O) (2/3) SPONSOR: Honorable Thomas Walker, Jr.
It is now 11:36 am, 1.26.22, and the Council has been debating LEGISLATION 0226-21: An Action Relating to Resources and Development, Budget and Finance, Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and Navajo Nation Council; Allocating $500,000 in Síhasin Funds to Capital Projects Management Department (CPMD) for the Planning and Construction of the CPMD Renovation Phase II since Removing two bills from their agenda.
It is now 11:54 am, 1.26.22, and Law & Order Committee Chairwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton asked Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director Pearl Yellowman for a List of All the Chapters that are in Need of Renovation of their Chapter facility or a New Chapter facility.
The 110 Chapters are under the Navajo Division of Community Development. But instead of giving a Verbal and Written Answer to the Council, Yellowman says she will email her Written Answer to the Council, which means we, the Dine’, may never see Yellowman’s Written Answer to Law & Order Committee Chairwoman Charles Newton…which involves local government buildings where we, the Dine’, have the Right to Gather to be Informed about Nez&Lizer, the Coucil, Courts, Police – all operations of our Navajo Government, receive financial reports on Navajo govt spending, especially chapter spending. Local govt buildings are also a place for the community to find out about Hardship Assistance, COVID-19 relief aid, MMDR, employment, scholarships, etc.
It is now 12:30 pm, and there is a call for a CEASE DEBATE on Legislation 0226-21 by DELGATE OTT TSO, SECONDED by DELEGATE CARL SLATER. Speaker Damon grants Cease Debate on Legislation 0226-21, which seeks Council approval of $500,000 in Síhasin Funds to the Navajo Nation Capital Projects Management Department or CPMD for the Planning and Construction of the CPMD Renovation Phase II (2/3) SPONSOR: Delegate Wilson C. Stewart, Jr.
DELEGATE AMBER KANAZBAH CROTTY says that Cease Debate is not just to End Debate but to ensure that there is a Balanced Debate. Crotty also noted, “We have 26 (chapter) projects that need help.”
According to a Report from Navajo Division of Community Development, there are 26 Chapter construction ready projects worth $196M. The 26 projects also have construction documents and specification and they ready for bid. And it is estimated that it will Take two to three months after budget accounts are established by Navajo Office of Management & Budget to finish short funded projects by December 2024. Construction Team reports: That’s a long shot but I think we can get done as team. All ask for is for Delegates and Chapters to work together and prioritize projects. If meet me halfway, we can get these projects done.
It is now 12:37 pm, 1.26.22, and the Council votes 9 in favor, 14 opposing on Challenge by Delegate Crotty to Speaker Damon’s decision to Cease Debate on Legislation 0226-21. which seeks Council approval of $500,000 in Síhasin Funds to the Navajo Nation Capital Projects Management Department or CPMD for the Planning and Construction of the CPMD Renovation Phase II (2/3) SPONSOR: Delegate Wilson C. Stewart, Jr.
Unofficial Voting Talley:
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay Red; Paul Begay Red; Nathaniel Brown Green; Eugenia Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Herman Daniels Red, Mark Feeland Green: Pernell Halona Red; Jamie Henio Red; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Red; Carl Slater Red; Raymond Smith Jr. Red; Wilson Stewart Jr. Red; Otto Tso Red: Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Red; Thomas Walker Jr. Red; Edison Wauneka Red; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Red.
It is now 12:40 pm, 1.26.22, and the Council votes 19 in favor, 4 opposed to Cease Debate on Legislation 0226-21. which seeks Council approval of $500,000 in Síhasin Funds to the Navajo Nation Capital Projects Management Department or CPMD for the Planning and Construction of the CPMD Renovation Phase II (2/3) SPONSOR: Delegate Wilson C. Stewart, Jr.
Unofficial Voting Talley:
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay Green; Paul Begay Green; Nathaniel Brown Red; Eugenia Charles Newton Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Red; Herman Daniels Green, Mark Freeland Green: Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Green; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green: Charlaine Tso Red; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Red; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 12:40 pm, 1.26.22, and the Council votes 22 in favor, zero opposed on Legislation 0226-21, which seeks Council approval of $500,000 in Síhasin Funds to the Navajo Nation Capital Projects Management Department or CPMD for the Planning and Construction of the CPMD Renovation Phase II (2/3) SPONSOR: Delegate Wilson C. Stewart, Jr. Legislation 0226-21 now goes to President Nez for his signature, or veto, or budget line item veto.
The Unofficial Voting Talley:
Elmer Begay Green; Kee Allen Begay Green; Paul Begay Green; Nathaniel Brown Green; Eugenia Charles Newton Green; Amber Kanazbah Crotty Green; Herman Daniels NoVote, Mark Freeland Green: Pernell Halona Green; Jamie Henio Green; Vince James Green; Rickie Nez Green; Carl Slater Green; Raymond Smith Jr. Green; Wilson Stewart Jr. Green; Otto Tso Green: Charlaine Tso Green; Daniel Tso Green; Eugene Tso Green; Thomas Walker Jr. Green; Edison Wauneka Green; Edmund Yazzie Green; Jimmy Yellowhair Green.
It is now 1:13 pm, 1.26.22, and the Navajo Council is Debating
LEGISLATION 0241-21: which seeks Council approval of a Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity in the New Mexico Medical Assistance Division Provider Participation Agreement Between the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services and New Mexico (2/3) SPONSOR is Health, Education & Human Services Committee Chairman Daniel E. Tso
It is now 2:22 pm, 1.26.22, and the Navajo Council VOTES 22 in favor, zero opposed on LEGISLATION 0241-21: which seeks Council approval of a Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity in New Mexico Medical Assistance Division Provider Participation Agreement Between the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services and the State of New Mexico (2/3)
SPONSOR: Health, Education & Human Services Committee Chairman Daniel E. Tso
It is now 2:28 pm, 1.26.22, and the Navajo Council – without debate – VOTES 22 in favor, zero opposed on Legislation 0244-21: which seeks Council Approval of a Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Provider Participation Agreements Between the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (2/3)
SPONSOR: Health, Education & Human Services Committee Chairman Daniel E. Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Delegate Edison J. Wauneka
It is now 2:32 pm, 1.26.22, and Council Delegate Wilson Stewart Jr. asks to have his Legislation 0003-22 from its agenda. Stewart says Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development Director JT Willie asked that 0003-22 be removed.
The Council VOTES 22 in favor, zero opposed on Removing LEGISLATION 0003-22 sought Council approval of the Allocation of $900,000 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance or UUFB to the Division of Economic Development/Tourism Department for Personnel and Operating Expenses for the Remainder of FY2022; Waiving 12 N.N.C. § 820(E), § 820(F), and § 820(J) to Allow Use of the UUFB for Recurring Expenses (2/3)
It is now 2:33 pm, 1.26.22, and the Navajo Council – without debates – VOTES 21 in favor, zero opposed on LEGISLATION 0005-22: which seeks Council approval of Allocating $419,718 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (“UUFB”) to the Division of Community Development to Fund Chapter Official Stipends for the Remainder of FY2022; Waiving 12 N.N.C. § 820(E), § 820(F) and § 820(J) to Allow Use of the UUFB for Recurring Expenses (2/3)
SPONSOR: Delegate Herman M. Daniels, Jr.
CO-SPONSOR: Delegate Seth Damon
It is now 2:50 pm,1.26.22, and the Council – without debate – VOTES 19 in favor, 1 opposed on LEGISLATION 0009-22: which Council approval to Override the Veto of CO-56-21 that Proposed Reaffirming the Navajo Nation’s Request to the Governor of New Mexico to Activate the Naat’aanii Development Corporation – Molina Healthcare, Inc. Indian Managed Care Entity to Increase Medical Resources Available to the Navajo People During the COVID-19 State of Emergency (2/3)
SPONSOR: Health, Education &Human Services Committee Chairman Daniel E. Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Speaker Seth Damon
It is now 2:53 pm, 1.26.22, and the Council is now on LEGISLATION 0111-21: which seeks Council approval to Amend the Navajo Nation Sales Tax at 24 N.N.C. § 601-624
SPONSOR: Budget & Finance Committee Chairman Jamie Henio
CO-SPONSOR: Budget & Finance Committee member Jimmy Yellowhair
It is now 4:04 pm, 1.26.22, and Navajo Council Delegate Nathaniel Brown is asking the Council to TABLE LEGISLATION 0111-21: which seeks Council approval to Amend the Navajo Nation Sales Tax at 24 N.N.C. § 601-624 UNTIL a Public Hearing/Meeting between Dine’ Chamber of Commerce/Navajo small businesses, other businesses on the Navajo Nation, and Council Delegates on 0111-21, which Budget & Finance Committee chairman Jamie Henio said does not RAISE TAXES by 10% for Businesse on the Navajo Nation. Henio says 0111-21 only sets a Cap of 10% for any future SALES TAX INCREASE.
It is now 4:14 pm, 1.26.22, and the Navajo Council VOTED 22 in favor, zero opposed to TABLE LEGISLATION 0111-21: which seeks Council approval to Amend the Navajo Nation Sales Tax at 24 N.N.C. § 601-624 UNTIL a Public Hearing/Meeting OCCURS between Dine’ Chamber of Commerce/Navajo small businesses, other businesses on the Navajo Nation, and Council Delegates on 0111-21, which Budget & Finance Committee chairman Jamie Henio said does not RAISE TAXES by 10% for Businesse on the Navajo Nation. Henio says 0111-21 only sets a Cap of 10% for any future SALES TAX INCREASE.
It is now 4:18 pm, 1.26.22, and Navajo Council Delegates Nathaniel Brown & Eugenia Charles Newton asked the Council to also TABLE LEGISLATION 0112-21: which seeks Council approval to Approve Amendments to the “Uniform Tax Administration Statue” Codified at 24 N.N.C. §§ 101 et. seq of the Navajo Nation Code UNTIL a Public Hearing/Meeting OCCURS between Dine’ Chamber of Commerce/Navajo small businesses, other businesses on the Navajo Nation, and Council Delegates.
It is now 4:22 pm, 1.26.22, and the Navajo Council VOTES 22 in favor, zero opposed to also TABLE LEGISLATION 0112-21: which seeks Council approval to Approve Amendments to the “Uniform Tax Administration Statue” Codified at 24 N.N.C. §§ 101 et. seq of the Navajo Nation Code UNTIL a Public Hearing/Meeting OCCURS between Dine’ Chamber of Commerce/Navajo small businesses, other businesses on the Navajo Nation, and Council Delegates.
It is now 4:26 pm, 1.26.22, and the Council is on LEGISLATION 0195-21: which seeks Council; Approval for the Reinstatement of Nizhoni Harker as a Member of the Navajo Nation SPONSOR: Law & Order Committee chairwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton
It is now 4:28 pm, 1.26.22, and the Council -without Debate – VOTES 23 in favor, zero opposed on LEGISLATION 0195-21: which seeks Council; Approval for the Reinstatement of Nizhoni Harker as a Member of the Navajo Nation SPONSOR: Law & Order Committee chairwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton
It is now 4:44 pm, 1.26.22, and the Council is Debating LEGISLATION 0215-21: which seeks Council Confirmation of the Appointment of Marcus Tulley to the Commission on Navajo Government Development, for a Term of Four (4) Years, as the Central Agency Council Representative SPONSOR: Honorable Kee Allen Begay, Jr.
It is now 4:48 pm, 1.26.22, and Speaker Seth Damon informs the Council that the Live Streaming of today’s Council session will be interrupted by a regular IT maintenance – soon..
Council Delegates Eugenia Charle Newton asks for the Council to Recess Until 10 am, tomorrow, 1.27.22, Thursday.
The Council approves Charles Newton Request with a VOTE of 21 in favor, 2 opposed.
APPROVED AGENDA OF THE 24th NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL WINTER SESSION Jan. 24 – 28, 2022, 10 AM, Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ)
VIA TELECONFERENCE: Call-in Number: (669) 900-6833, Meeting ID: 928 871 7160, Passcode: 86515
Livestream will be available online at:
VIMEO: www.vimeo.com/navajonationcouncil
YouTube: www.youtube.com/navajonationcouncil
NNC Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/navajonationcouncil/
PRESIDING: Honorable Seth Damon, Speaker, 24th Navajo Nation Council
- CALL SESSION TO ORDER; ROLL CALL; INVOCATION
- RECOGNIZE GUESTS AND VISITING OFFICIALS TO THE NAVAJO NATION
- REVIEW AND ADOPT THE AGENDA
(m) Hon. Vince R. James (s) Hon. Kee Allen Begay, Jr. (v) 20-0 (snv) - RECEIVE THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE NAVAJO
NATION
(m) (s) (v) - RECEIVE REPORT FROM THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE NAVAJO NATION
(m) (s) (v) - RECEIVE REPORT FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL
(m) (s) (v) - RECEIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FROM THE CONTROLLER
(m) (s) (v) - ORAL REPORTS
A. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) (m) (s) (v)
B. Indian Health Services (IHS) (m) (s) (v)
C. Attorney General (m) (s) (v)
D. Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council (m) (s) (v) - WRITTEN REPORTS
A. Standing Committees (m) (s) (v)
B. Boards and Commissions (m) (s) (v)
C. Bureau of Indian Affairs (m) (s) (v)
D. Indian Health Services Area Director (m) (s) (v)
E. Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (m) (s) (v) - OLD BUSINESS
(A) APPROVED with VOTE of 15 in favor, 7 opposed, 1.25.22. LEGISLATION 0123-21: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee and Navajo Nation Council; Confirming the Appointment of Mr. Anselm Morgan to the Commission on Navajo Government Development, for a Term of Four (4) Years, as the Eastern Navajo Agency Council Representative SPONSOR: Honorable Mark A. Freeland
(m) Hon. Nathaniel Brown (s) Hon. Kee Allen Begay, Jr. (v)
10/19/2021 – Motion to Table Legislation 0123-21 until the Navajo Nation Council Winter Session; (M) Honorable Edmund Yazzie; (S) Honorable Pernell Halona; (V) 15 In Favor, 08 Opposed (Speaker Damon Not Voting) - NEW BUSINESS
(A) REMOVED LEGISLATION 0209-21: An Action Relating to the Budget and Finance, Resources and Development, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Allocating $68,025,000 in Síhasin Funds for the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources to Complete Twelve (12) Water Connection Projects Across the Navajo Nation; and Approving the “2021 Water Connection Projects Expenditure Plan” Pursuant to 12 N.N.C §§ 2501-2508 (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Amber Kanazbah Crotty
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
(m) (s) (v)
(B) LEGISLATION 0226-21: An Action Relating to Resources and Development, Budget and Finance, Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and Navajo Nation Council; Allocating $500,000 in Síhasin Funds to Capital Projects Management Department (CPMD) for the Planning and Construction of the CPMD Renovation Phase II (2/3) SPONSOR: Honorable Wilson C. Stewart, Jr.
(m) (s) (v)
(C) LEGISLATION 0241-21: An Action Relating to Health, Education and Human Services, Budget and Finance and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees and the Navajo Nation Council; Approving a Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity in the State of New Mexico Medical Assistance Division Provider Participation Agreement Between the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services and the State of New Mexico (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Daniel E. Tso
(m) (s) (v)
(D) LEGISLATION 0244-21: An Action Relating to Health, Education and Human Services, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees and the Navajo Nation Council; Approving a Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Provider Participation Agreements Between the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Daniel E. Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Edison J. Wauneka
(m) (s) (v)
(E) LEGISLATION 0261-21: An Action Relating to an Emergency for Navajo Nation Council; Approving $1,808,538 in Supplemental Funding from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance for the 110 Navajo Nation Chapters’ Emergency Fund Accounts; Waiving 12 N.N.C. § 820(O) (2/3) SPONSOR: Honorable Thomas Walker, Jr.
(m) (s) (v)
(F) LEGISLATION 0003-22: An Act Relating to Resources and Development, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and Navajo Nation Council; Allocating $900,000 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (“UUFB”) to the Division of Economic Development/Tourism Department for Personnel and Operating Expenses for the Remainder of FY2022; Waiving 12 N.N.C. § 820(E), § 820(F), and § 820(J) to Allow Use of the UUFB for Recurring Expenses (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Wilson C. Stewart, Jr.
(m) (s) (v)
(G) LEGISLATION 0005-22: An Act Relating to the Resources and Development, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Allocating $419,718 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (“UUFB”) to the Division of Community Development to Fund Chapter Official Stipends for the Remainder of FY2022; Waiving 12 N.N.C. § 820(E), § 820(F) and § 820(J) to Allow Use of the UUFB for Recurring Expenses (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Herman M. Daniels, Jr.
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
(m) (s) (v)
(H) LEGISLATION 0009-22: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee and the Navajo Nation Council; Overriding the Veto of CO-56-21 that Proposed Reaffirming the Navajo Nation’s Request to the Governor of New Mexico to Activate the Naat’aanii Development Corporation – Molina Healthcare, Inc. Indian Managed Care Entity to Increase Medical Resources Available to the Navajo People During the COVID-19 State of Emergency (2/3)
SPONSOR: Honorable Daniel E. Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
(m) (s) (v)
(I) LEGISLATION 0111-21: An Act Relating to the Resources and Development, Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Amending the Navajo Nation Sales Tax at 24 N.N.C. § 601-624
SPONSOR: Honorable Jamie Henio
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Jimmy Yellowhair
(m) (s) (v)
(J) LEGISLATION 0112-21: An Act Relating to the Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Approving the Amendments to the “Uniform Tax Administration Statue” Codified at 24 N.N.C. §§ 101 et. seq of the Navajo Nation Code
SPONSOR: Honorable Jamie Henio
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Jimmy Yellowhair
(m) (s) (v)
(K) LEGISLATION 0195-21: An Action Relating to Health, Education and Human Services, Naabik’íyáti’ and Navajo Nation Council; Approving the Reinstatement of Nizhoni Harker as a Member of the Navajo Nation SPONSOR: Honorable Eugenia Charles-Newton
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(L) LEGISLATION 0215-21: An Action Relating to the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee and Navajo Nation Council; Confirming the Appointment of Mr. Marcus Tulley to the Commission on Navajo Government Development, for a Term of Four (4) Years, as the Central Agency Council Representative SPONSOR: Honorable Kee Allen Begay, Jr.
(m) (s) (v)
(M)LEGISLATION 0222-21: An Action Relating to Law and Order, Naabik’íyáti’ and the Navajo Nation Council; Amending Navajo Nation Election Code at 11 N.N.C. §282 (A), Voter Registration Time Period SPONSOR: Honorable Edison J. Wauneka
(m) (s) (v)
(N) LEGISLATION 0232-21: An Action Relating to Resources and Development Committee; Naabik’íyáti’ Committee, and the Navajo Nation Council; Approving Oil and Gas Operating Agreements Between the Navajo Nation and Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company for Tohachee Wash, Beautiful Mountain, and Porcupine Dome
SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
(m) (s) (v)
(O) LEGISLATION 0251-21: An Act Relating to Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Establishing a Referendum for Diné Voters to Decide Whether to Increase the Number of Navajo Nation Council Delegates from 24 to 48, Beginning with the November 2026 Navajo Nation General Election
SPONSOR: Honorable Edison J. Wauneka
(m) (s) (v)
(P) LEGISLATION 0002-22: An Action Relating to the Resources and Development, the Health, Education, and Human Services, the Law and Order, and the Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and to the Navajo Nation Council; Amending Title 17 of the Navajo Nation Code to Establish Criminal Penalties for Vicious Dog and Other Animal Attacks
SPONSOR: Honorable Eugene Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Kee Allen Begay, Jr.
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Eugenia Charles-Newton
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Raymond Smith, Jr.
(m) (s) (v)
(Q) LEGISLATION 0006-22: An Action Relating to Budget and Finance and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Establishing the Diné Relocatee Fund
SPONSOR: Honorable Otto Tso
CO-SPONSOR: Honorable Seth Damon
(m) (s) (v) - CLOSE OF SESSION; ANNOUNCEMENTS; ADJOURNMENT
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