WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved Legislation 0231-24, appointing Michelle Espino as the Chief Legislative Counsel ON Oct. 24. Espino brings experienced legal guidance to support the Office of Legislative Counsel.

Espino is an accomplished attorney with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa and over 25 years of legal experience in tribal, state, and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Espino has served as Assistant Attorney General for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Senior Prosecutor for the Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor and as the Executive Director for the Navajo Nation Washington Office.

Having served...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation 0135-24, committing approximately $148 million from the Síhasin Fund to improve senior centers across the Navajo Nation, on Oct. 24. This historic legislation aims to enhance elder care by renovating existing facilities, ensuring ADA compliance, and constructing new centers to meet the needs of Navajo elders.

The legislation was sponsored by Delegate Danny Simpson and co-sponsored by Council Delegates Amber Kanazbah Crotty, Crystalyne Curley, Norman M. Begay, Casey Allen Johnson, Carl R. Slater, and Lester C. Yazzie.

“This legislation is not just about renovating buildings; it’s about respecting our elders...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — On Oct. 23, the 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously supported Legislation 0145-24, a resolution that aims to amend the existing tobacco products tax and enact a new tax on electronic smoking and nicotine products.

Sponsored by Delegate Carl Slater, the legislation is designed to deter tobacco use, support cessation, particularly among Diné youth, and is projected to result in long-term healthcare cost savings for the Navajo Nation.

“Every dollar that goes into the treatment of preventable diseases caused by nicotine addiction is a dollar that could be spent on other healthcare needs," Slater said. "With a very constrained fiscal situation in our healthcare...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — On Oct. 21, the 25th Navajo Nation Council convened for the 2024 Fall Council Session at the Council Chamber in Window Rock, Ariz., to begin receiving reports and considering legislations including the State of the Navajo Nation Address as mandated by Navajo law.

For the third time since being elected by the Navajo people, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren failed to appear before the Council to provide the State of the Navajo Nation Address.

Under the powers and authorities of the President outlined in the Navajo Nation Code, the President is required to report quarterly to the Council during each regular session.

Nygren sent a letter notifying the Council of...