Executive Director's Corner | |
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Yá'át'ééh,
This week we celebrate the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Haaland v. Brackeen affirming the sovereignty and self-determination of Native American governments across the nation. This historic decision upholds the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and strengthens the foundation of Native American rights and cultures. We take this moment to celebrate the tireless efforts of all those who fought for this outcome and reflect on its significance for Indian Country.
The Brackeen v. Haaland ruling highlights the dedicated work by Native American families and communities who have long advocated for the protection of their children and the preservation of their cultural heritage. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported this effort. Countless tribal leaders, organizations, attorneys, and allies tirelessly advocated for the recognition of tribal sovereignty and the need to uphold the ICWA. Their dedication and passion have brought about this monumental victory.
The Brackeen v. Haaland ruling is a testament to the resilience and determination of Indian Country. While we celebrate this victory, let us also remember that there is still much work to be done. We must continue to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of Native American’s, from the protection of sacred lands to the provision of essential services and resources.
This ruling has given us hope and a stronger foundation upon which to build a better future for our children and generations to come. We stand united in our dedication to the preservation and celebration of our cultures, traditions, and sovereignty.
Additionally, the Navajo Nation Washington Office also had the honor of hosting several distinguished guests, including the Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya who provided our 2023 Summer Interns valuable lessons of tribal governance and instilled within them the purpose of public service to improve the livelihood of our communities. Our interns were able to engage in meaningful discussions with the Vice President further solidifying the Nygren-Montoya’s commitment of the Navajo Nation to working and educating our future leaders.
And the Navajo Nation had the honor and privilege to commemorate Navajo U.S. Army Specialist 5 Henry Todacheeny of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona in a ceremony held by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Today the NNWO pauses to remember and honor Specialist Todacheeny – a warrior, a hero, and a true American. We will never forget his service and the sacrifices he made for his country and for all of us.
Ahé’hee
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Navajo Nation Vice-President Visits Washington DC
This week the Navajo Nation Vice-President, Richelle Montoya, was in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the Water Resources Design Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). The award highlighted the achievements of Souder, Miller & Associates innovative design for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project (NGWSP) that will provide water from the San Juan River to eastern section of the Navajo Nation, southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the city of Gallup, NM.
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NNWO Executive Director Justin Ahasteen honors Navajo Nation Vietnam War Vet |  | |
On June 17th, the Navajo Nation Washington Office’s Executive Director had the honor and privilege of presenting a name of a Navajo Army Veteran during the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund “In Memory 2023 Ceremony” at the request of the family.
This annual event allows families and veterans from across the nation to we honor and commemorate the life of our Vietnam War Veterans who experienced a dark part of our history upon return from their service.
Executive Director Ahasteen had the privilege of commemorating U.S. Army Specialist 5 Henry Todacheeny of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. “We remember Henry as a brave warrior who answered the call of duty and served his country with distinction during the Vietnam War” said Ahasteen.
Assigned to the U.S. Army's Military Assistance Command, Henry's service from 1966-1969 was marked by courage, dedication, and sacrifice. He demonstrated unwavering commitment to his mission and to the safety and well-being of his fellow soldiers.
On behalf of the Navajo Nation and a grateful nation, we express our deepest gratitude to Specialist Henry Todacheeny for his selfless service and sacrifice. He embodied the values of courage, honor, and patriotism that are the foundation of our great nation. We are forever indebted to him and his fellow soldiers who fought and died for our freedom.
Executive Director Ahasteen also expresses his gratitude to the family of Specialist Todacheeny “we offer our sincerest condolences and heartfelt appreciation. Your loved one was a true hero, and his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him."
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Additional News and Updates | |
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Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation
This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation (FEMA–4703–DR), dated 04/11/202.
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Applications for New Awards; Demonstration Grants for Indian Children and Youth Program-Native American Teacher Retention Initiative
The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for Demonstration Grants for Indian Children and Youth Program (Demonstration program)—Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI).
Applications Available: May 23, 2023
Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply:
June 22, 2023
Date of Pre-Application Webinar:
June 7, 2023
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Tax Status of Tribally Chartered Corporations
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is hosting a Tribal Consultation on the tax status of Tribally chartered corporations. The consultations will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Comment Deadline: August 18, 2023
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Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is modifying a system of records maintained by the Indian Health Service (IHS), System No. 09–17–0003, Indian Health Service Medical Staff Credentials and Privileges Records. The system of records covers records about individuals who request credentialing and privileging to serve as IHS medical or health care professionals.
Comment Deadline: June 22, 2023
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Notice of Availability of Proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Low Threat Discharges in Navajo Nation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9 is proposing to reissue a general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for water discharges from facilities classified as low threat located in the Navajo Nation
Comment deadline: June 26, 2023
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Ten-Day Notices and Corrective Action for State Regulatory Program Issues
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) proposes to amend the regulations related to notifying a State regulatory authority of a possible violation of any requirement of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). The proposed rule would also amend the Federal regulations regarding corrective actions for State regulatory program issues.
Comment deadline: June 26, 2023
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Applications for New Awards; Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs-Native American Language Resource Centers Program
The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications (NIA) for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the Native American Language Resource Centers (NALRC) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.415C. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1894–0006.
Applications Available: June 7, 2023.
Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: June 27, 2023.
Date of Pre-Application Webinar: June 22, 2023.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 27, 2023.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 28, 2023.
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Additional Guidance on Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program
Applicants investing in certain solar and wind powered-electricity generation facilities may apply for an allocation of environmental justice solar and wind capacity limitation to increase the amount of an energy investment credit for the taxable year in which the facility is placed in service.
Comment deadline: June 30, 2023
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2023 Tribal Self-Governance Conference
June 26-29, 2023
An opportunity for all Tribal nations to achieve their own goals of self-government and seeks to ensure that the tenets and purpose of Self-Governance are accurately communicated and clearly understood by Congress, the Administration, Tribal nations and all other interested parties.
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SAIGE 20th National Training Program
June 20-22, 2023
SAIGE hosts an outstanding Annual National Training Program, open to all, focused on professional development, leadership and topics related to the complex Federal Indian Trust Responsibility. Integral to this, SAIGE provides specialized training sessions for Veterans and college-aged Youth.
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Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee
June 22, 2023
The Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee will hold an in-person field tour on June 22, 2023, and an in-person meeting with a virtual participation option on Nov. 8, 2023. The meeting and field tour are open to the public, but advance registration is required to attend the June 22 field tour.
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National Transportation in Indian Country
September 24-28, 2023
The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) is the one-stop-shop transportation conference for tribes, by tribes. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.
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For more information regarding topics provided in the newsletter, please contact NNWO at info@nnwo.org. | | |
Navajo Nation Washington Office | www.nnwo.org | | | | |
