Street-level entertainment will take center stage

Visitors to this year’s Freedom Festival may have their heads in the clouds, but the event will have its feet and wheels firmly on the ground.

The event, which is  usually known as the Ride, Flight & Cruise weekend, won’t include hot air balloons taking flight this year due to communication and scheduling issues. But despite the challenges of jump-starting a post-lockdown event, festival planners will not be deflated.

The balloons are expected to be back next year, and this year’s party will be all about the cars and motorcycles. And of course, the bands, kinetic performers and beer garden. The full schedule of July 30 events...

TOHATCHI, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was accompanied by Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Managment Manager Harland Cleveland July 5 as he visited the communities of Tohatchi and Mexican Springs, N.M., to offer support for personnel who are on the ground working to repair roadways that were damaged by heavy rainfall on July 4.

Nez was also joined by Division of Transportation Director Garret Silversmith and Division of Community Development Director Dr. Pearl Yellowman. Over 15 communities in the Fort Defiance and Eastern Navajo Agencies have been impacted by flash-flooding. No serious injuries or loss of life have been reported.

“We are very grateful for the...

SHIPROCK, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were joined by students, families, 24th Nation Council Delegate Eugene Tso, and Shiprock Chapter officials on July 1, as they signed into law resolution CJN-29-22, appropriating $4 million from the Nation Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance for youth employment funds for the 110 Navajo chapters. The funds may be used throughout the year to employ Navajo youth.

“With today’s signing of the resolution, we are demonstrating our commitment and support to provide employment opportunities for our Navajo youth throughout the year. Youth employment is a great strategy to ensure that our...

Tsaile/Wheatfields, Ariz. – On July 6, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was joined by 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Carl Slater, Tsalie/Wheatfields Chapter officials and community members during a July 6 ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of Navajo Route 12, a primary route for Tsaile/Wheatfields residents, Diné College students, and first responders. In 2019, Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer approved funding for the project with the support of the late Council Delegate Nelson S. BeGaye.

The N12 project in Tsaile/Wheatfields includes 10.7 miles of new paving, asphalt placement, roadway excavation and embankment, subgrade treatment where needed, placement of...