Issues, concerns raised for starting points
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Members of the U.S. Department of Justice met with President Buu Nygren to discuss various priorities from the prosecution process to potential federal offices being built on the Navajo Nation.
“The importance of tribal justice cannot be overstated,” Nygren said. “For generations, our communities have faced unique and complex challenges that require tailored solutions and robust support.”
Nygren listed challenges in low prosecutions citing lack of communication between FBI and Navajo Law enforcement, the need to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include those exposed up until the 1990s, and harm from uranium transportation.
U.S. DOJ Associate Attorney General Ben Mizer acknowledged these concerns.
“One of the pressing concerns we face is the high rate of decline of federal prosecution of cases,” Nygren said. “This issue not only undermines the rule of law but also erodes our people’s trust in the justice system.”
It was reported that 20 out of 49 sexual assault or abuse allegations were declined federally, which was also the highest declination rate among cases.
Alongside Nygren were Attorney General Ethel Branch, Deputy Attorney General Heather L. Clah, Chief Legal Counsel Bidtah Becker, and Legal Counsel Candace Begody-Slim.
Branch also raised concerns about the ongoing human trafficking of Navajo people being taken to the Phoenix Valley for rehabilitation, where communication between the federal government and the Navajo Nation isn’t feasible in aiding the Navajo victims.
“When you go out on your sight tour, you will see and hear the concerns from the people,” Nygren said. “I always want to emphasize it’s the people we work for. It’s them we care for and why we have these concerns that need to be addressed on a federal level.”
