Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted to accept the 2026 Summer Session Speaker’s Report as written July 20, affirming the accomplishments and priorities outlined by Speaker Crystalyne Curley on behalf of the Legislative Branch during the opening day of the 2026 Summer Council Session.
During her presentation, Curley was joined by Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council Chairwoman Aryiah James and Council members Kendri Kinlacheeny and Nikko Yazzie, highlighting the Council’s continued commitment to youth leadership and engagement
The report highlighted significant legislative initiatives and ongoing advocacy efforts undertaken by the Office of the Speaker and the 25th Navajo Nation Council in recent months, including historic investments in broadband infrastructure, transportation improvements, youth leadership development, Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives initiatives, the Northern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement, and continued advocacy on federal land and resource issues.
“The Speaker’s Report reflects the work of the 25th Navajo Nation Council and our continued commitment to addressing the priorities of the Navajo people,” Curley said. “From expanding broadband access and investing in transportation infrastructure to advancing water rights, supporting our youth, and strengthening protections for our communities, the report demonstrates the progress we have made together while recognizing the important work that still lies ahead.”
Among the report’s highlights was the Council’s recent approval of a historic $244.6 million investment to expand broadband infrastructure throughout the Navajo Nation, including funding to provide connectivity to all 110 chapters and matching funds to maximize federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program resources.
The report also recognized the enactment of $120 million for transportation infrastructure improvements through the Síhasin Fund, supporting road rehabilitation and long-term transportation planning across the Navajo Nation.
Additional updates included the continued work of the NNYAC, which established four priority pillars to guide its efforts, and ongoing initiatives led by the MMDR Task Force to finalize the Tribal Community Response Plan, complete a Navajo Nation MMDR database, and strengthen assistance for affected families.
Curley also highlighted the Council’s continued advocacy for congressional approval of the Northern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement and efforts to protect the interests of Navajo allottees affected by proposed federal actions surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
The report also acknowledged the horse riders who traveled from communities across the Navajo Nation to continue the longstanding tradition of riding to the Council Chamber for the opening of Summer Session, recognizing the journey as a reflection of Navajo leadership, perseverance, and cultural values. In addition, the Council recognized participants in Every Child Matters Awareness Walk and other grassroots advocates who gathered to raise awareness and voice community concerns during the Summer Session.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council accepted the 2026 Summer Session Speaker’s Report with a vote of 14 in favor and five opposed. The report is available on the Council’s website at www.navajonationcouncil.org under the Committees section in 2026 Summer Session Reports and Presentations.
