Wááshindoon Weekly

June 30, 2023

Executive Director's Corner

Yá'át'ééh,


This week, the Navajo Nation Washington Office (NNWO) continues to tirelessly work on the interests of the Navajo people, tackling a variety of pressing issues from water rights to access to information. 


First and foremost, the Supreme Court decision in Arizona v. Navajo Nation has left the nation on edge. This decision has had a significant impact on the Nation however the NNWO is not standing down. We are working relentlessly to advocate for our rights and in collaboration with Navajo leaders and our executive programs we remain hopeful that we can continue the fight to bring water back to our people. Ensuring access to clean, safe water is a fight we will not abandon.


This week, we also explore a groundbreaking piece of legislation introduced by Navajo Nation Council Delegate Seth Damon. The bill seeks to recognize same-sex marriages within the Navajo Nation. It is a significant step towards equality and inclusivity, especially considering that despite federal law recognizing same-sex marriages, the Navajo Nation has yet to do so.


In an exciting development for Navajo entrepreneurs, a new hub has opened in Tuba City. This facility aims to foster innovation and provide resources for Navajo entrepreneurs, offering them a space to grow their businesses and learn from one another. It is a testament to the growing entrepreneurial spirit within our community, a spirit the NNWO is keen on nurturing.


Finally, we delve into the potential difficulties arising from the removal of AM radio from cars, an issue that has sparked a hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives. Many Navajos, particularly those living in remote areas, rely on AM radio as their primary source of news. The NNWO understands the importance of this issue and is actively advocating for the needs of those community members who could be left in the dark.


In these and many more ways, the Navajo Nation Washington Office is making strides towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for the Navajo Nation. Through advocacy and action, they are ensuring that every voice within the Navajo Nation is heard in the halls of power.


Ahéhee’

Weekly Updates

Photo Source:  Julien Harneis/Openverse 

Battle for Water Rights Gets Tougher for the Navajo Nation


The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ended a two-decade legal battle between the state of Arizona and the Navajo Nation, over water rights to the Colorado River.

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Navajo Nation Council Delegate Introduces Legislation for Same-Sex Marriage 


On June 23rd, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Seth Damon introduced legislation to repeal Title 9, Section 2(c) of the Navajo Nation code that makes same-sex marriage “void and prohibited” across the Navajo Nation. 

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Entrepreneur Hub for Natives Opens on Navajo Nation in Tuba City, Arizona


ChangeLabs, a Navajo nonprofit focused on providing Native entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources critical to succeed, just opened its first entrepreneur hub in Tuba City last Friday. 

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Photo source:  Nick Richards/Openverse 

 Removal of AM Radio from Cars Prompts Proposed Legislation and a House Committee Hearing


Recently, seven car manufacturers (BMW, Mazda, Polestar, Rivin, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo) have removed AM radio from their electric vehicles (EVs) and have started planning to remove AM radio from other non EVs in the future. 

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Additional News and Updates

Federal Register

Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation


This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation (FEMA–4703–DR), dated 04/11/202.

More Information

Additional Guidance on Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program


Applicants investing in certain solar and wind powered-electricity generation facilities may apply for an allocation of environmental justice solar and wind capacity limitation to increase the amount of an energy investment credit for the taxable year in which the facility is placed in service.

Comment deadline: June 30, 2023

More Information

Tax Status of Tribally Chartered Corporations


The U.S. Department of the Treasury is hosting a Tribal Consultation on the tax status of Tribally chartered corporations. The consultations will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Comment Deadline: August 18, 2023

More Information

Upcoming Events

National Tribal Opioid Summit

August 22-24, 2023


The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) will host the National Tribal Opioid Summit at Tulalip Washington from August 22-24, 2023, to address the intersection of Covid 19 and the opioid crisis throughout our communities.

More Information

National Transportation in Indian Country

September 24-28, 2023


The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) is the one-stop-shop transportation conference for tribes, by tribes. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.  

More Information

For more information regarding topics provided in the newsletter, please contact NNWO at info@nnwo.org.

Navajo Nation Washington Office | www.nnwo.org

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