WASHINGTON D.C. — Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley advocated on behalf of the Navajo Nation at the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee meeting hosted by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in Washington, D.C., Dec. 5.
In 2021, Haaland announced the formation of the Department’s first-ever Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee, to ensure tribal leaders have direct and consistent contact and communication with the current and future Department officials to facilitate discussions on intergovernmental responsibilities, exchange views, share information and provide advice and recommendations regarding Departmental programs and funding.
In April, Haaland appointed President Nygren to serve as a STAC primary member and Curley as the alternate, to represent the Navajo Area Region.
“As elected leaders, we carry the concerns and issues of our people and communities on our shoulders when we meet with congressional members and federal partners. The Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee is one forum to ensure that our voices are heard and that the Navajo Nation has a seat at the table when it comes to the federal budget priorities, missing persons discussions, and many other critical issues,” Curley said.
The Dec. 5 discussion focused on the broadband expansion, public safety and missing persons prevention, water rights, lands and minerals management and Bureau of Indian Affairs initiatives.
“We continue to build on the advocacy and progress of our past leaders as we plan for the future of our Nation. The 25th Navajo Nation Council is committed to working with the Department of the Interior and many other federal agencies to address issues that lead to long-term solutions,” Curley stated.
