SANTA FE — During a recent government-to-government Violence Against Women consultation focused on public safety, systemic justice issues, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis, 25th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty called for comprehensive justice reform.
“Every child growing today carries the prayers of their grandparents like kernels placed in the Earth, nurtured with love and hope,” Crotty said. “We are here to restore that legacy, despite the history of violence and trauma, with prayers and teachings that will bring strength to our people.”
Crotty emphasized the need to integrate Diné cultural traditions with modern justice systems. She advocated for community-based, trauma-sensitive solutions that address contemporary challenges while honoring cultural values.
Tribal leaders also highlighted the unique responsibilities of tribal justice systems and urged federal partners to provide comprehensive training and recognize tribes as equal partners in judicial processes.
Navajo Police Missing Person Liaison Reycita Billie, alongside Evangeline Randall-Shorty, whose son Zachariah Juwaun Shorty went missing in 2020, shared the heartbreaking reality that 23 Navajo women and 53 Navajo men remain missing, many of their cases unresolved.
“Each case represents a family enduring the silent pain of loss and a community’s collective grief,” Crotty said.
She called for comprehensive data-sharing agreements, ongoing federal support, and culturally tailored approaches to seek justice for missing Navajo relatives.
In addressing violence prevention and community support, Crotty outlined Diné-led initiatives designed to assist affected families. She advocated for dedicated resources, such as a medical examiner specific to the Navajo Nation, as well as improved data collection to enhance prevention strategies. She also emphasized the need to break down bureaucratic barriers and foster meaningful collaborations that honor federal trust responsibilities.
“Our prayers, our teachings, and our sacred connections guide us in this work,” Crotty said “By reclaiming our values, respecting our elders, and integrating community-driven solutions, we can overcome these challenges and restore hope.”
In conclusion, Crotty underscored the importance of culturally informed, survivor-led initiatives to combat violence. She called for expanded victim services and a renewed commitment to kinship responsibilities, urging federal and state partners to collaborate with tribal communities to ensure a safer, healthier future for all.
