Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation No. 0021-26, an emergency measure responding to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service “Dear Tribal Leader” letter dated Dec. 5, and formally establishing the Navajo Nation’s position on the proposed IHS realignment plan.
Sponsored by Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez and co-sponsored by Council Delegates Amber Kanazbah Crotty, Cherilyn Yazzie, Nathan Notah, and Speaker Crystalyne Curley, the Jan. 29 legislation outlines the Nation’s concerns that the proposed restructuring could increase bureaucratic barriers, weaken direct communication, and undermine patient-centered care by removing the Navajo Area IHS as a standalone regional area.
The resolution emphasizes the Navajo Nation’s unique scale and responsibilities as the largest tribal nation in the U.S., serving a population of more than 400,000 citizens across a 27,000-square-mile land base spanning Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. It asserts that maintaining a dedicated IHS regional structure is critical to protecting treaty obligations, advancing self-determination, and ensuring timely delivery of health and public health services.
“The Navajo Nation should maintain its clear communication, directly and effectively, to Indian Health Service leadership – and continue to strengthen its relationship,” Nez said. “The realignment may add additional red tape and limit the advocacy needed on behalf our region directly. Any healthcare need, regardless of service, cannot afford to be delayed. They cannot slow infrastructure projects or interfere with our sovereign right to manage health services for our people.”
Co-sponsor Crotty reinforced the need for meaningful consultation and accountability.
“This legislation makes clear that consultation must be more than a formality,” she said. “Federal decisions that affect Navajo patients, facilities, and health systems must be shaped with our direct input and grounded in our treaty relationship.”
The measure authorizes the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, the President of the Navajo Nation, and their designees to advocate the Nation’s official position and calls on IHS to conduct formal, government-to-government consultation specific to the Navajo Nation. It further urges that any realignment will correspond with existing IHS strategic plans and support—not hinder—tribal self-determination and patient-centered care.
Legislation No. 0021-26 was approved with 19 in favor and none opposed. The 25th Navajo Nation Council serves as the final authority for the legislation.
