Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved Legislation No. 0245-25, allocating almost $7.5 million from the Sihasin Fund to support the construction of the Ramah Navajo Senior Citizens Center, addressing infrastructure and service needs for elders in the Ramah community, on April 22.
The legislation amends Resolution CO-43-24 to formally include the Ramah Navajo Senior Citizens Center in the Navajo Nation’s broader senior center investment initiative. The project will be administered through the Division of Aging and Long-Term Care Support in coordination with the Division of Community Development, ensuring oversight of funding allocation and construction progress.
The Ramah Navajo community wasn’t included in prior Sihasin Fund allocations despite having more than 400 elderly residents and no existing senior center facility. The approved funding will support full construction, including site development, utilities, and infrastructure necessary to deliver comprehensive services to elders.
Discussion centered on proposed amendments that would have significantly increased the funding amount to include additional senior center projects across the Navajo Nation. Delegates raised concerns that such amendments would alter the original intent of the legislation and delay support for the Ramah project.
The legislation moved forward in its original form, without amendments, to preserve the scope and funding request as introduced.
Sponsor of the legislation, Council Delegate Norman M. Begay, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the immediate needs of the Ramah community.
“This funding is critical to delivering a much-needed senior center for the Ramah Navajo community, ensuring our elders have access to essential services, support, and a safe space that promotes health and well-being,” he said.
The legislation also establishes accountability measures, requiring quarterly reporting to the Budget and Finance Committee, Resources and Development Committee, and the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee to monitor project progress and expenditures.
The Navajo Nation Council serves as the final authority and approved Legislation No. 0245-25 with a vote of 17 in favor and one opposed.
