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Navajo Nation Council advocates priorities with Arizona legislators

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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council met with Arizona state legislators to discuss key Navajo priorities during the 30th Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day at the Arizona State Capitol.

Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley met with Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen Jan. 16 to discuss a proposal addressing dual taxation on the Navajo Nation.

“Encouraging private business development is crucial for our economy, but when entrepreneurs face dual taxation from both the Nation and the state, many choose to set up elsewhere, depriving us of revenue,” Curley explained.

She emphasized that while the Nation cannot eliminate taxes, the proposed Transaction Privilege Tax would offer a credit to offset dual taxation on a single economic activity. The proposal also seeks to amend the Nation’s Fuel Excise Tax agreement to retain more revenue within the Nation.

Petersen expressed support for a fair solution for both parties.

SUPPORTING VETERANS AND ELDERS

Health, Education, and Human Services Vice Chair Germaine Simonson met with Arizona Sen. Theresa Hatathlie and Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Director John F. Scott II Jan. 16 as well to discuss support for tribal healing ceremonies for veterans with post traumatic stress disorder.

Hatathlie noted that in 2023, the Arizona Department of Health developed a grant to assist Native American veterans with PTSD through traditional healing. To distribute these funds, the department established an intergovernmental agreement with the 22 tribal nations in Arizona.

Scott emphasized the need to identify which Navajo Nation agency should manage the grant, suggesting a veterans’ agency as the most suitable option.

“We want to ensure these funds are used as efficiently as possible,” he said.

Simonson agreed, adding that this discussion could lead to broader conversations about the grant’s administration.

“Many veterans were told their service information was classified and never shared it," she said. "Now, years later, they seek traditional medicine to heal their wounds. This funding would greatly benefit veterans seeking those services.”

Scott also discussed deploying Starlink broadband modems to connect rural veterans with telehealth and benefits services.

Council Delegates Shawna Ann Claw, Cherilyn Yazzie, Dr. Andy Nez, and Simonson met with Arizona State Rep. Mae Peshlakai to discuss expanding elder care facilities in Arizona tribal nations. Peshlakai noted that she’s introducing a bill to allocate $15 million to improve and create these facilities where they are lacking.

“I’ve spoken with elders, and this is a concern they’ve raised,” Peshlakai said. “I want to provide solutions for tribal communities.”

Nez suggested collaborating with Indian Health Service facilities to leverage existing resources such as funding, transportation, and staffing.

ONGOING WATER RIGHTS

Protecting the Nation’s water rights remains a top priority. Curley addressed this issue with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs Jan. 14.

Curley thanked Hobbs for her support of the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement and reiterated the Nation’s commitment to providing clean water to Navajo communities.

“It’s a goal of Navajo leadership to pass this settlement,” Curley said. “With your leadership, we are united.”

Hobbs affirmed that water protection is a priority.

“Protecting water is essential to protecting life," she said. "For those who have lived without running water, this access is life changing. I understand the importance of tribal perspectives in water policy and will ensure you have a seat at the table.”