WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — In compliance with the intent of a subpoena issued by Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren reported in-person to the Navajo Nation Council’s Naabik’íyáti’ Committee on May 8, to provide updates related to the Office of the President and Vice President.
The subpoena was issued April 21 in response to numerous absences and failures by Nygren to present the State of the Navajo Nation Address during regular Council sessions. 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.”
Nygren issued a public statement May 23 mistakenly claiming that the Navajo Nation courts had “dismissed” the subpoena. In fact, the courts vacated the subpoena petition at the request of the Office of Legislative Counsel.
“The President’s appearance at the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee meeting conforms to our Diné fundamental law that requires baa yáti’, talking things out, which was the intent of the subpoena,” Curley said. “In-person dialogue is fundamental to addressing and resolving issues that affect the lives of our Navajo people and our government. Moving forward, the simple solution is for the President to show up and provide his reports in-person, as the Navajo people elected him to do.”
Based on Nygren’s compliance with the intent of the subpoena, the Office of Legislative Counsel filed a motion in the District Court of the Navajo Nation, to withdraw the petition for enforcement of the subpoena.
In a May 23 press release the 25th Navajo Nation Council stated that Curley will continue to use all authorities vested under Navajo Nation law to ensure the President upholds his responsibilities to the Navajo people, as a naat’áanii.
“As elected leaders, we are held to a very high standard by the Navajo people,” Curley said. “The President must understand that communication directed at the Navajo people through radio, livestreams, newsletters, social media, and written reports does not meet the expectations of the people. They want to hear President Nygren present his reports in person and to have meaningful dialogue with our leaders.”
She also stated that the Council remains open to meeting with the President on a consistent basis, aside from regular Council sessions.
“We must work through many challenging issues that require the Council and the President to come to the table and resolve,” Curley said. “Providing the State of the Navajo Nation Address is the minimum standard. I will do my part to reach out to the President to initiate more discussions and collaboration as we move forward.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council is scheduled to hold its summer session July 21, beginning at 10 am, at the Council Chamber in Window Rock, where Nygren is expected to attend and present the State of the Navajo Nation Address.
