WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — For the fourth time since being elected by the Navajo people, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren failed to appear and present the State of the Navajo Nation Address during the opening day of the Spring Council Session, April 21.
Under the powers and authorities of the Navajo Nation President outlined under 2 N.N.C. §1005 (C) (5), the President shall “Report quarterly to the Navajo Nation Council on the state of the Navajo Nation.”
Prior to the start of the session, Speaker Crystalyne Curley issued a subpoena to Nygren to have him show up in the Council Chamber to present his report to the Council and the Navajo people.
In Nygren’s absence, the Office of the President and Vice President delivered a written report to the Council and indicated that Nygren is currently on travel in Washington, D.C., referencing recent Executive Orders signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In his written report, Nygren stated, “I must and will work with any administration — Republican or Democrat — to protect jobs, preserve and increase revenue for our communities, and expand new opportunities for our Nation.”
Curley said that working with the Nation’s federal partners is important, but the President also has an obligation to report to the Navajo people and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Council members.
“What we’re seeing from President Nygren is a lot of one way communication directed at the Navajo people through radio, livestreams, newsletters, social media, and now a written report,” Curley said. “The Navajo people want to hear President Nygren present his report in person and to have an in depth dialogue with the Council. Yes, it’s important to work with our federal partners, but President Nygren also needs work with our Diné leaders as he promised when he campaigned for the presidency.”
Several delegates also raised the possibility of administrative leave, citing repeated absences, unilateral decision-making, and alleged misrepresentations made to both federal partners and the Council.
“We’ve been patient and willing to work with him,” Delegate Brenda Jesus said. “But enough is enough. At what point does the Navajo Nation Council show that we mean business? He’s not honoring our collaboration—he’s mocking it.”
Council Delegate Vince James said the president’s absence wasn’t only disappointing, it was disrespectful to the Navajo people.
“President Nygren is playing games with this body and with our Nation,” he said. “He’s been scheduling meetings in Washington, D.C. to deliberately avoid his responsibility to report to the Council. His actions are undermining our programs and our sovereignty.”
Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez echoed widespread concerns about the administration’s lack of transparency and direct engagement with both the Council and the Navajo people.
“The President’s absence sends the wrong message,” he said. “We cleared our schedules to be here. His staff know when the Council meets. He chooses public appearances and media over direct dialogue with this body. It’s time we consider a special session to address this ongoing pattern.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted against receiving Nygren’s State of the Nation Address as a written report with a vote of one in favor and 20 opposed.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council Spring Session is open to the public and is live-streamed online on the 25th Navajo Nation Council’s Facebook page (@navajonationcouncil) and YouTube channel (@NavajoNationCouncil).
