TSAILE, Ariz. — Diné College’s commitment to maintaining and revitalizing the Navajo language continues, and college officials hope the hiring of a Navajo Language Immersion Institute Director will strengthen that progress.

James McKenzie, who previously served as Navajo Language Development Coordinator at the College, assumed the new role Dec. 18.  McKenzie brings to the job more than five years of experience with Navajo language immersion efforts and said he’s eager to create community partnerships and improve success with Navajo language initiatives.

“I’m humbled and excited at the new opportunity,” McKenzie said. “While I will have some new duties, I will still...

Approximately 265 New Mexico homeowners will receive payments

ALBUQUERQUE – Attorney General Hector Balderas, 48 other state attorneys general, the District of Columbia and over 45 state mortgage regulators reached a $45 million settlement with New Jersey based mortgage lender and servicer PHH Mortgage Corporation.

Approximately 265 New Mexico homeowners will receive payments thanks to the settlement.

The settlement resolves allegations that PHH, the nation’s ninth largest non-bank residential mortgage servicer, improperly serviced mortgage loans from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2012. The agreement requires PHH to adhere to comprehensive mortgage servicing standards, conduct...

WINDOW ROCK – With a vote of 22-0, the 23rd Navajo Nation Council unanimously supported an override of President Russell Begaye’s veto of the Navajo Nation Veterans Trust Fund Income Act, during a special session held on Dec. 22. The Council approved the Veterans Trust Fund Income Act during the Fall Council Session in October. Begaye subsequently vetoed the resolution on Nov. 6, which is subject to override pursuant to Title II of the Navajo Nation Code.

Council Delegate Tom Chee (Shiprock), who sponsored the override legislation as well as the legislation approved by the Council in October, has previously explained that the intent of the bill is to clarify specific definitions...

Annual Native American tournament sees variety of teams compete

ALBUQUERQUE – The St. Michaels Lady Cardinals beat Red Mesa 51-43 in a Dec. 29 semifinal game of the annual Striking Eagle Native American Invitational Tournament. The tournament was played at the University of New Mexico’s Johnson Gymnasium and included various teams from around greater McKinley County.

As a result of the semifinal win, the Lady Cardinals advanced to play Santa Fe Indian School, which beat Cuba in an earlier tournament game.

On the boys’ side of the tournament, Tse Yi Gai advanced after beating Native American Community Academy of Albuquerque by the score of 53-41. The Tse Yi Gai girls won over Pine...