Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — During the Controller’s report at the Spring Session, the 25th Navajo Nation Council reaffirmed its demand for answers regarding the missing $24 million connected to the Executive Branch and ZenniHome.
Speaker Crystalyne Curley emphasized that the Council has taken decisive and lawful action to pursue the truth and protect the Navajo people’s resources.
In November, a Special Prosecutor filed a formal ethics complaint in Navajo Nation District Court, alleging multiple violations of the Navajo Nation Ethics in Government Law by the President, which included the Executive Branch’s approval of contracts to Indigenous Design Studio + Architects and its subcontractor ZenniHome.
Based on those findings and other findings in the complaint filed by the Special Prosecutor, Speaker Curley introduced legislation to remove the President, which was halted by a court decision that granted a temporary restraining order that prevents the Council from acting on the legislation. The court’s temporary restraiining order remains in place to this day
“The Council took decisive action to address the $24 million,” Curley said. “The Special Prosecutor’s investigation continues and we continue to seek resolve through our judicial system. The Council nor the Legislative Branch played a role in the contracts or subcontracts involving ZenniHome.”
Despite legal challenges and attempts to block the process, the Council has remained committed to ensuring the Navajo people receive answers.
During the report, Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty questioned the whereabouts of the $24 million and how the Nation plans to make up for the funding.
In response, Controller Sean McCabe said that he continues to get conflicting information from the Office of the President and Vice President and the Division of Community Development.
Curley reaffirmed that every legal tool available to the Council has been utilized to pursue answers and safeguard public funds.
“The Navajo people deserve answers from the Executive Branch and the courts,” she said. “With the support of my Council colleagues, we will continue to press forward until the truth is fully brought to light.”
The Budget and Finance Committee will begin holding investigatory hearings regarding the Executive Branch’s contracts for housing and related matters.
