Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved the appointment of Mae-Gilene Begay to the Diné Uranium Remediation Advisory Commission July 22. She will serve as the community member representing the Central Abandoned Uranium Mines Region through Sept. 30, 2029.
Sponsor of Legislation No. 0068-25, Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson emphasized the significance of regional representation.
“This Commission is tasked with examining the consequences of uranium mining and processing across the Navajo Nation,” he said. “By appointing Begay, we ensure the Central Region is represented by someone with both community trust and health expertise.”
Begay is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and has extensive experience in public health, advocacy, and service delivery. She previously served as President of the Forest Lake Chapter and the Dzil Yijiin Regional Council. Her career includes over 20 years with the Navajo Nation Department of Health as a Community Health Representative and Outreach Supervisor, as well as roles on state and national public health committees. Her background includes service with the American Public Health Association, the Arizona Community Health Workers Network, and participation in Native health research projects.
The Diné Uranium Remediation Advisory Commission was created to advise the Navajo Nation President and Council on uranium-related issues. The Commission is composed of seven community members—one from each AUM region and one at-large member—who must be enrolled members of the Navajo Nation with experience in environmental science, engineering, public health, or policy development.
Speaker Crystalyne Curley acknowledged the role of the Commission in shaping uranium remediation strategies.
“This appointment supports the long-term goals of restoring impacted areas, protecting human health, and upholding community involvement in policy discussions,” she said.
The Commission operates under an amended Master Plan of Operation approved by the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee in June 2024. It is tasked with reviewing remediation strategies, evaluating new uranium development proposals, and advising leadership in alignment with Navajo Nation laws including the Fundamental Laws of the Diné, the Navajo CERCLA, and the Radioactive Materials Transportation Act.
The resolution confirming Begay’s appointment passed on the consent agenda with a unanimous vote of 20 in favor, none opposed. Final authority for the appointment rests with the Navajo Nation Council.
