WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Effective June 25, the majority of Navajo Nation Chapters have acted to amend Title 26 of the Navajo Nation Code to allow for a virtual attendance option at chapter meetings.
“Chapters now have the right to choose whether they will allow virtual attendance or not," Speaker Crystalyne Curley said. "Chapters that do choose to implement hybrid/virtual attendance must now adopt their own virtual meeting policies. This resolution provides a resource to address issues like meeting quorum, meeting attendance, and increase community engagement.”
The amendments made in CO-85-23 permit each chapter to decide what type of attendance will be allowed at its chapter meetings, either in-person or hybrid/virtual. The amendments do not force each chapter to implement virtual attendance. Each chapter now has the option to either allow virtual attendance or not.
CO-85-23 does not automatically allow all 110 chapters to hold virtual chapter meetings. Those chapters who intend to implement the virtual attendance need to complete the two-step amendment process. Each chapter will need to pass another chapter resolution to allow virtual chapter meetings. Chapters that do not pass a resolution/ordinance to approve virtual chapter meetings cannot hold a virtual chapter meeting.
Chapters need to have their policies and procedures attached to their resolution. The Department of Justice – Chapter Unit is currently working on a policies and procedures template that chapters could utilize.
The legislation allowing Virtual Attendance at Chapter meetings was approved by the Navajo Nation Council during the 2023 Fall Council Session and was vetoed by President Nygren on Nov. 3. The Presidential veto was overridden by the Navajo Nation Council during the 2024 Winter Council Session on Jan. 29.
Council Delegate Vince James, who sponsored the initial legislation, said he left the decision to be made by the Navajo Nation chapters, knowing that they understand how important virtual attendance can be as it was used throughout the pandemic.
“This resolution provides an addition to our Title 26 Codes to include an option for virtual attendance participation for each chapter to utilize, and to create a virtual attendance policy,” James said. “Virtual attendance at chapter meetings will be beneficial to establishing quorum, affording rights to every citizen to be part of the government, keeping our leadership accountable, and promoting transparency of the local government.”
The Office of Legislative Counsel has verified the 56 chapter resolutions and virtual attendance at chapter meetings is now allowable if chapters chose to adopt this option.
