Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education

Welcome to the Navajo Nation Department of Dine Education Twitter. We will post updates and news as they are published onto the DODE website and share announcements relevant to Navajo Nation schools and education.

Ya'at'eeh! Keynoting the Navajo Nation School and Community Safety Summit was a very moving experience. So many resilient Navajo who have withstood the pain to survive and thrive. They have taught me more lessons than I have ever taught them. I am so grateful. @NavajoNationEd

Yá’át’ééh Ya'iishjááshchilí! Come join us at the Main Library in Window Rock, AZ to be part of our Summer Reading Program! High res available on our website: navajolibrary.org

Save the date! We have the Chinle Family Source and Screening Fair happening tomorrow at 11 am, and then free screenings in Window Rock on Wednesday at 11 am!

Congratulations to our University of Utah Ute students! Yesterday, I had the honor of attending the University of Utah Class of 2025 commencement ceremony, and it was a proud moment as Navajo Nation President and a celebration for the Nation as 22 Native students who received their degrees at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Celebrating 9,908 graduates, 29 who are Native with a majority being Diné. During this ceremony, I was able to meet with one of our very own Diné members, Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó and her family before she gave her own speech as the Student Speaker. Out of 120 student applicants, Tracie’s essay was selected, demonstrating exceptional academic success with careful consideration by a selection committee of students, faculty and staff. “Today, as we stand as graduates of the University of Utah, I honor that strength in each of you. We all come from different walks of life, yet together we have shown remarkable resilience, professionalism and brilliance,” said Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó. With opening remarks by University of Utah’s President Taylor Randall, the commencement ceremony was filled with support from faculty, students, family, friends and alumni. “I am filled with hope as I watch you go forward to make this world a better place for all of us. Congratulations,” said President Taylor Randall. It was great to meet families, relatives and be present with the graduates, and the university’s president. I am very proud of our Diné graduates and to have witnessed Tracie’s inspiring address to her peers as a citizen of the Navajo Nation. To the Diné graduates, continue to carry our language and values forward. And to all the graduates: lift others as you rise and never forget the people who helped get you here. Let us continue to walk forward, together and be the role models for our future leaders. Ahéhee’ and Go Utes! -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

Heads up! The Easter Dirt Pudding Cups even is happening tonight at the ODY Complex in Fort Defiance!

“Week of the Young Child" celebrates St. Michael Indian School's Pre-K Program Our Diné children are the heart of our Navajo homes and with early childhood education, we can help our children grow to be the next set of champions of the Navajo Nation. Yesterday, I signed the “Week of the Young Child” proclamation at St. Michael Indian School in honor of our Diné children, so that they receive the best early childhood education from our educators and families. Signing this proclamation, which proclaims April 4 to 11 as “Week of the Young Child” sets the foundation of learning, including Diné Bizaad. “This is a really important time for these children to develop, they develop another language better at a younger age…” said Dot Teso, president for St. Michael Indian School. As Navajo Nation President, I want to ensure that my administration continues to advocate for education, so that we promote opportunities to benefit our Diné children’s futures. At their precious age of zero to five they’re able to grasp things efficiently. The “Week of the Young Child” is an annual weeklong event that celebrates our children’s achievements in early childhood education. The Navajo Nation Early Childhood Collaborative (NNECC) hosts this event and promotes culture, language and events through different daily festivities for families to engage in their children’s learning. “Parents choose to put their children in early learning, it’s not a have to, they choose to do it and the advantage you’re giving your children is amazing,” Teso said. Originally, St. Michael Indian School did not have a Pre-K program until Fall 2014, with focus on kindergarten to 12th grade. Since 2014, the Pre-K program has developed to help children prepare for kindergarten. By this fall, there will be a classroom that will reopen for two-year-olds. Currently, there are 10 enrolled students in the three-year-old classroom and 12 students in the four-year-old classroom. Thank you to all our teachers, families, NNECC, First Things First, the Department of Diné Education, Navajo Head Start and St. Michael Indian School for all the dedication that gives our children the opportunity to have a successful future and to expand Pre-K programs for all our Navajo families across the Nation. We are creating tomorrow’s leaders. -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY IN DINÉ LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL REVIVAL Diné Bizaad is thriving—through the voices of our students and the actions of our government. On March 26, Window Rock High School hosted the 2nd Annual Diné Language and Cultural Festival at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center. Students from Tuba City, Pinon, Ganado, and Window Rock gathered in their finest traditional attire to celebrate our language and culture. Each team showcased their skills through song, dance, storytelling, skits, reading in Diné Bizaad, and a knowledge bowl on Navajo governance, the Treaty of 1868, and modern Diné society. Tuba City earned first place, Window Rock second, Pinon third, and Ganado fourth. These events reflect a growing movement to restore pride in our language. I am proud of every student who participated. Their dedication is keeping our culture alive and strong. With the support of the Navajo Nation Council, I signed legislation officially recognizing Diné Bizaad as the official language of the Navajo Nation. Following this historic action, I also signed an Executive Order requiring all Executive Branch offices to incorporate Diné Bizaad into public communications with the Diné people. We also launched Diné Bizaad Wednesdays, weekly language lessons with Peter Thomas—open to all—to strengthen fluency and foster cultural pride. Our language is our sovereignty. When we speak Diné Bizaad, we are asserting our identity, our self-governance, and our connection to the land and to each other. It is the foundation of who we are as a Nation. Together, we are creating a future where Diné Bizaad is not just remembered—it is lived, spoken, and celebrated. —Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

EMPOWERING OUR DINÉ STUDENTS THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA This morning, I had the honor of speaking with about 40 of our Diné students at the University of Arizona, who are all exemplary students. We started with a blessing by Dr. Alberta Arviso, a clinical psychologist who serves as the senior engagement officer in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at College of Veterinary Medicine. As Navajo Nation President, I value higher education, and I acknowledged the strength and determination that each of our Diné students must execute to excel in their studies while being far from home. Everyone’s journey is different and after sharing my experiences, I reassured our students that they too will obtain their degrees no matter their background or struggles. As Diné people, we must remember to reflect on our cultural teachings and values to help us continue to move forward in our lives. Let’s continue to support our Diné students by encouraging them and remind them how proud we are as families, clans and as a nation. During the questionnaire session, a few students acknowledged my efforts of visiting with them and asked how I can help them elevate their voices while providing sound advice on their academic journeys. On that note, I am working diligently with the federal government on addressing the DEI concerns that impact our Diné students’ future by making sure their voices are heard and standing in our power. Ahéhee’ to the Office of Native American Advance & Tribal Engagement for inviting me here today to speak with our future leaders. Our students are creating a bright future for themselves as citizens of the Navajo Nation, and I am confident that they will be successful role models within their communities and at U of A. Let’s ‘Bear Down!’ -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

Today, I signed SB 163, enshrining in law our commitment to honoring and respecting the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico’s Native communities. Every student deserves the opportunity to celebrate their academic achievements in a way that honors their identity and traditions.

CELEBRATING DINÉ NURSING STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO’S 2025 NURSING PLEDGE CEREMONY Congratulations to the 140 nursing students, a handful who are Diné, for pledging to be future nurses at their Spring 2025 Nursing Pledge Ceremony! Held downtown at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, this rite of passage marks the beginning of the nursing school journey for these students at the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) College of Nursing. On March 13, we celebrated our Diné nursing students, who are entering their first year of their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The pledge ceremony marked their official welcome to the nursing community, followed by the taking of an oath that acknowledges the responsibilities of a healthcare provider. This Nursing Pledge Ceremony is designed for first year nursing students, serving as an introduction to their journey as nurses and providing them with the essential tools needed to practice healthcare. Pursuing higher education comes with obstacles, especially among the medical profession. Our cultural teachings of caring for our Diné relatives is part of who we are, and I am confident that our Diné students, like Autiaunna Aragon, Tamar Baloo, and Geraldine Tsosie, will apply these values to provide the best care to their patients. It was an honor to witness our Diné nursing students on stage being coated their scrub jackets. The smile of pride and excitement shows they are capable of the next step as nurse providers of the Navajo Nation. We need more Diné healthcare professionals to help our healthcare systems thrive and to continue services to the Navajo Nation and Diné people. Thank you to UNM College of Nursing for acknowledging our Diné students during their new life chapter, and to our families supporting their children as they study to become nurses. Wishing you the best of luck! -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

NAVAJO CODE TALKERS’ LEGACY RESTORED AFTER WEBSITE REMOVAL MISHAP It has been confirmed by Pentagon officials that the Department of Defense will restore materials related to the Navajo Code Talkers on its website. White House officials reached out to my office and confirmed that removal of “Navajo” from the agency websites was a result of an error caused by Artificial Intelligence (AI) automated review process associated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. I’m pleased to share this update, made possible through the dedicated advocacy of the Navajo Nation Washington Office and our letter to the Department of Defense. I want to assure the Navajo people that we remain in close communication with federal officials to ensure the legacy of our cherished Navajo Code Talkers is never erased from American and Navajo history. As sovereign nations, we are not defined by DEI classifications. We are political sovereigns with treaties and a long-standing relationship with the U.S. government. Ahéhee! — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

The Department of Education will continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking. ed.gov/about/news/pre…

WEEKLY DINÉ BIZAAD WITH MR. PETER THOMAS Join us for this weekly Navajo Language class which will offer a space to develop interpersonal skills and expand our knowledge of our sacred language — ensuring it thrives for future generations. Every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Featuring Diné author and educator Peter Thomas, who will lead engaging weekly presentations to learn Diné Bizaad. Bring your notebooks, sharpen your pencils, and join us on this journey of learning and cultural preservation. FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PresidentNygre… YOUTUBE: @PresidentBuuNygren" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@PresidentBuuN… ZOOM: zoom.us/j/99435275875

PRESIDENT NYGREN SUPPORTS FUTURE DINÉ LAW STUDENTS PAVING A FUTURE AT ASU LAW On February 28, I was able to meet with four of our Diné law students currently attending the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (ASU), and one prospective student. Their passion and hard work is not going unnoticed! As I listened to their stories and experiences in law, I am confident that they will obtain the knowledge, skills and experience to become great future lawyers who represent the Navajo Nation. “We’ve had a formal agreement to try to get more Navajo students trained so that they would be good attorneys for the nation and representing the nation and other tribes,” said Kate Rosier, executive director for the Indian Legal Program. Recently, the agreement contract with Navajo Nation was extended for another five years. The only change is that the program will house three attorneys in hopes of utilizing the Beus Center for Law and Society for Diné students to work directly with the nation to receive credit while gaining hands-on experience that is currently in progress. It brings me pride knowing our students are pursuing law, as it will help to continue bridging a connection to create change for the future by being the voice of the Navajo people by addressing important matters. “We are really appreciative of our partnership with Navajo,” Rosier said. I would like to thank Mrs. Rosier, professors and the program for supporting our Diné students by guiding them through leadership, mentorship and offering opportunities that will benefit their law journeys. Moving forward, I believe these students will pave a path for future lawyers on the Navajo Nation. -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

WEEKLY DINÉ BIZAAD WITH MR. PETER THOMAS Join us for this weekly Navajo Language class which will offer a space to develop interpersonal skills and expand our knowledge of our sacred language — ensuring it thrives for future generations. Every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Featuring Diné author and educator Peter Thomas, who will lead engaging weekly presentations to learn Diné Bizaad. Bring your notebooks, sharpen your pencils, and join us on this journey of learning and cultural preservation. FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PresidentNygre… YOUTUBE: @PresidentBuuNygren" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@PresidentBuuN… ZOOM: zoom.us/j/99435275875

The agenda for the 3/6 regular meeting of the Navajo Nation Board of Education is now online. navajonationdode.org/2025/03/04/nnb…

Save the date! The Chinle Family Resource and Screening Fair happens next week on March 12.

PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: MEASLES HEALTH ADVISORY In collaboration with the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Epidemiology Center, we are closely monitoring measles cases reported in neighboring states and border towns, issuing this public health advisory to inform the public. As of February 25, 2025, the New Mexico Department of Health reports nine cases in Lea County, NM (no hospitalizations), and an alarming rise in Gaines County, TX, from 2 to 124 cases in two weeks. Texas reports 18 hospitalizations, 1 death, and 80% of cases are children. No cases have been reported in Arizona, Utah, or Colorado. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms start with fever, followed by cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that begins at the head and spreads. Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia or encephalitis. Prevention is key: the MMR vaccine is available at all IHS/638 facilities. It's highly effective, with most adults who were vaccinated as children presumed immune. Children need two doses—one at 12 months and another at age four. If you experience symptoms, self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider. For more information, call the Navajo Department of Health at 928-871-6350 or consult your doctor. -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

Yá’át’ééh Wóózhchʼį́į́d! Join us in March!

SHOWING UP MATTERS: STRENGTHENING OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR EDUCATION Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking to our Indian Wells community members, chapter representatives, parents, and teachers about something that is vital for the future of our children – the importance of school attendance and the critical role we, as a community, must play in supporting the education of our youth. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Holbrook Unified School District 3 and Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich and Indian Education Director Bernice Gover for the opportunity to speak before our Diné people on behalf of our students. Our children's future is in our hands, and we must be unwavering in our commitment to building a supportive, thriving community that ensures their educational success, well-being, and growth. We are fortunate to have dedicated teachers who pour their hearts and souls into helping our children excel, not just in the classroom, but in life. However, the work of our educators alone is not enough – we must all show up. Together, we can break down barriers and create opportunities that allow every student to succeed. It begins with something as simple, yet powerful, as encouraging our children to attend school. Every single day of absence represents a missed opportunity for learning, a missed chance to grasp new concepts and materials. I understand the challenges and setbacks that some of our students face, but we can’t let these obstacles stand in the way of their success. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive a high-quality education, and it’s on all of us to ensure they do. I urged everyone to view this moment as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of how we can better support our students. By showing up – both physically and emotionally – we can create a foundation for their success. Let us be a community that does not merely speak about supporting our children but one that actively shows up for them, every day, in every way. -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren