Native American Issues

Navajo Nation Council Resource and Development Committee Chairwoman, Brenda Jesus (left) Lorena Dishface (center) and Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren (right) cut the Ribbon at the Red Mesa Solar Farm with other executives on hand. Photo courtesy Navajo Nation Council

Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm opens

Navajo Nation officials celebrated the opening of the Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm with a ribbon cutting on August 25. The 550-acre solar farm located near the Utah-Arizona border is slated to provide 72 megawatts of solar energy and was developed by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA). NTUA...

Navajo Utah Commission holds special meeting to discuss Water Rights settlement

by David Boyle News Director Tribal, federal and state agencies are working through the next steps to bring water infrastructure to the Navajo Utah strip. Federal and state representatives outlined the next steps at recent meetings in Montezuma Creek and Monument Valley (see SJR July 19, 2023) More...

Survey and Adjudication next steps in Utah Navajo Water Rights Settlement

by David Boyle News Director Federal and state agencies are working through the next steps to bring water infrastructure to the Navajo Utah strip. At a recent meeting representatives from those entities outlined their work which, when completed, will prepare the way for the Navajo Nation to plan...

Harm to Healing: Community discussion on Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives

Restoring Ancestral Winds, Inc. will host the Harm to Healing: Community Discussion on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives on July 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bluff Community Center, 3rd East and Mulberry. Bluff Community Center is an ADA facility. “There is evidence of deep, historical harm...

Navajo Commission hears reports

by David Boyle News Director Members of the Navajo Utah Commission received reports on the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the Restoring Ancestral Winds nonprofit, and a discussion on Traditional Food Program by Utah Diné Bikéyah at their latest meeting. At their April 11 meeting, members of the...

Puppets help teach Native Language

By David Boyle News Director A San Juan County resident is bringing Navajo Language education to life with the use of puppets. The final product of Navajo Highways will include filmed short episodes. Meanwhile, the group is putting on a live puppet show on Friday, April 28 at Star Hall in Moab. In...

Toniee Lewis (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo-Tigua), Ute Mountain Councilman Selwyn Whiteskunk (Ute Mountain Ute) and Jr. Miss Southern Ute Princess Leandra Litz at the signing of the Sexual Assault Awareness proclamation on April 4. Courtesy photo

Ute Tribe marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month

On April 4, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Towaoc CO, signed an Honorary Proclamation and Recognition of Native American Sexual Assault awareness month. This proclamation was brought to the Ute Mountain Ute Council by Toniee Lewis of the Hands Down, Standing Strong Advocacy Program based out of...

Navajo Utah Commission discusses recent legislative session, internet broadband planning and grants

by David Boyle News Director Members of the Navajo Utah Commission received reports about the conclusion of the recent Utah State legislative session, internet broadband planning, and federal grants at their latest meeting. At their March 14 meeting, members of the Navajo Utah Commission heard...

Navajo Utah Commission asks for state designation for Red Mesa road, approve resolution for funding Montezuma Creek shopping center

Members of the Navajo Utah Commission approved resolutions requesting Red Mesa Road be designated a state road, a resolution requesting funds for a feasibility study for a shopping center in Montezuma Creek, and received reports as part of their latest meeting. At their February 14 meeting elected...

White Mesa Tribal representative Malcolm Lehi (left), Utah Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson (center) and Navajo Nation president Buu Nygren (right) discuss efforts for Utah ICWA at the state capital. Several other tribal leaders visited to capital to advocate for ICWA and other shared priorities. Photo courtesy of Navajo Nation Presidents office

Tribal leaders advocate for Indian Child Welfare Act at Utah State legislature

By David Boyle News Director A bill that would make the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Utah state law was passed over in committee in late January. What that means for the future of the bill is uncertain, but the lack of action could delay tribal leaders’ top priority in the 2023 Utah State...