Department of Homeland Security Meets with President Nygren

Last week, NNWO facilitated a meeting between President Nygren, Navajo Public Safety Leadership, Leadership from the Department of Homeland Security, and several of the department's component agencies. The meeting focused on the structure of Navajo's public safety departments, and some of the challenges that the departments face on a daily basis.

Update on the Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act (S.620)

On February 18, 2025, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) reintroduced the Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act. If passed, the bill would help Indian tribes and organizations address the threats of zoonotic diseases, those that can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa. The Navajo Nation Council passed a resolution in support of the bill, and since then NNWO has been advocating for its passage.

Federal Government Shutdown Deadlines Nears

Congress is facing a September 30 deadline to keep the government funded. If lawmakers cannot agree on a spending package or pass a short-term continuing resolution, much of the federal government will grind to a halt on October 1. NNWO has reached out to federal agencies to secure assurances that programs providing direct services will not be disrupted and has maintained close coordination with the Navajo Nation's congressional delegation to mitigate long-term impacts.

Adelita Grijalva Wins Special Election in Arizona's 7th District, Carrying Forward Her

Father's Legacy

On September 23, 2025, Adelita Grijalva won the special election in Arizona's 7th congressional district, succeeding her father, the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva who passed away in March 2025. The news of Grijalva's victory is welcome, as she has spoken clearly about the importance of honoring sovereignty, supporting co-management, and defending hard-won protections for ancestral lands.