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The Navajo Independent, 123 Main Street Boulevard, Window Rock, AZ (2026)

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all the single Navajo fathers trying their best.

04/25/2026

Bootleger steals and lands airplane in front of lowrent stash house.

04/07/2026

Navajo Nation Police to Deploy License Plate Readers at 2026 Fairgrounds, Sparking Safety and Privacy Debate

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Police plan to introduce license plate reader technology at major fairgrounds during the 2026 Navajo Nation fair season, signaling a new approach to public safety at some of the region’s largest cultural events. The systems will be used at key gatherings across the Nation, where thousands of attendees travel from surrounding states to celebrate community traditions. “Our priority is making sure families can come to these events and feel safe,” said Navajo Nation Police spokesperson Lt. Lonnie Gamble. “This is about adding another layer of protection, not taking away from the experience. We all remember last year, when three Navajo ladies got pregnant on the Zipper ride at Tuba fair. That case has turned cold.”

The initiative is part of a broader effort by tribal officials to strengthen law enforcement capabilities across the vast and rural Navajo Nation. Automated license plate readers (LPRs) can capture and analyze vehicle information in real time, allowing officers to quickly identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and flag individuals connected to outstanding warrants and unpaid child support from single mothers. “In a place as large as the Navajo Nation, time and distance matter,” Gamble said. “If we can identify a suspect vehicle within seconds, that can change the outcome of a situation.”

According to officials, cameras will be placed at major entry and exit points around fairgrounds, scanning passing vehicles and comparing license plates against Native law enforcement databases. The technology is expected to provide immediate alerts to officers on the ground, helping them respond more quickly to potential threats while also generating investigative leads after incidents occur. “This gives our officers real-time information they’ve never had before during events of this size,” said Capt. Karl Nez. “It allows us to be proactive instead of just reacting after something happens. We want to be there before a slap to the face occurs or before a fry bread is stolen.”

Supporters say the move is a practical response to ongoing safety challenges during large events, where limited staffing and wide geographic coverage can make rapid response difficult. By adding LPR technology, police hope to deter criminal activity and improve coordination during emergencies without significantly disrupting the experience for fairgoers. “We get tired of watching people year after year. The same people come to the fair each year, the big ones, the boney ones with two boyfriends on each arm, the wild divorced wives smooching the younger men, the old men with too much Burberry Touch cologne and the grandmas with dirty grandkids —we want to focus on vehicles tied to crimes,” Nez said. “Most attendees won’t even notice it’s there, but it could make a big difference.”

However, the plan has also raised concerns among some community members about privacy and data use. Tribal leaders say policies are still being developed to regulate how long data is stored and who can access it. “Any time you introduce surveillance technology, people have questions—and they should,” said community advocate Marissa Chee. “We want to make sure there are clear limits and transparency.” As the 2026 fair season approaches, officials emphasize that the goal is to balance safety with respect for the cultural importance of these gatherings.

03/02/2026

The United States 🇺🇸 has a history of killing and using our people in their wars. Death is a taboo in our culture. It's funny to see some of our people cheering for the death of the whiteman's enemies.

02/18/2026

Navajo Trump lovers can go and eat their grandma's watery s**t from the outhouse.

11/05/2025

Navajo Nation Police Issue APB for Zelle Number After Council Official Mistakenly Transfers Large Funds to Wrong CellularOne Phone Number

Window Rock, AZ — The Navajo Nation Police Department (NNPD) has issued an All-Points Bulletin (APB) for a Zelle account after a tribal council official accidentally transferred government funds to the wrong CellularOne phone number earlier this week.

According to NNPD spokesperson Sgt. Lonnie Begaye, the incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a financial transaction intended for a vendor was mistakenly sent to a private phone number registered with CellularOne. The funds, reportedly transferred via the popular digital payment platform Zelle, were part of a routine administrative payment authorized by a member of the Navajo Nation Council’s Finance Committee.

“The funds were meant to go to an approved vendor for community program expenses,” Sgt. Begay said in a press briefing Tuesday. “Instead, the money was sent to an unrelated number. We are currently working with Zelle and CellularOne to trace and recover the transaction.”

The police have not disclosed the total amount involved but confirmed it was “a significant sum.” Investigators have since issued an APB for the recipient Zelle account, urging the account holder to come forward or return the funds voluntarily.

Council Delegate Cassandra Blackhorse, who chairs the committee, said the error was “an unfortunate administrative mishap” and emphasized that corrective measures are being implemented to prevent future digital transfer errors.

“This highlights the need for stronger safeguards when handling electronic payments,” Yazzie said. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and our financial institutions to resolve this matter quickly.”

CellularOne representatives confirmed they are assisting investigators but declined to release additional details, citing customer privacy laws.

Meanwhile, NNPD cybercrime officers are reminding the public to double-check payment details before sending funds electronically. “A single digit can make a big difference,” Sgt. Begaye said. “We’re treating this case seriously, but we also want to use it as a teaching moment for our community.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the misdirected transfer is urged to contact the Navajo Nation Police Cyber Taskforce

09/26/2025

Proposal to Rename Arizona State Route 264 for Charlie Kirk Rejected by Navajo Nation DOT

By Greg Mitchell | September 26, 2025

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZ. — A controversial proposal to rename a portion of Arizona State Route 264 in honor of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has been officially denied by the Navajo Nation Department of Transportation, tribal officials confirmed Tuesday.

The proposal, which originated from a group of Arizona state legislators aligned with conservative political movements, sought to designate a stretch of the highway running through northern Arizona—largely within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation—as “Charlie Kirk Freedom Highway.”

Proponents argued that Kirk, founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, has been a vocal advocate for free speech and limited government and deserved recognition for his influence on young Americans.

However, the proposal quickly drew widespread backlash from tribal leaders, community members, and residents of the Navajo Nation, who criticized the move as politically insensitive and lacking cultural consultation.

“This highway is more than just a road,” said Keams Canyon resident in a statement. “It connects our communities, our families, and our history. Proposing to rename it after someone with no ties to our people, who has never lived here or worked alongside us, is not only inappropriate—it is disrespectful. His ideas and words have nothing to do with the Native communities. MLK’s fight for equality has more connection to our people than someone who baited young people in discussions to only spread misinformation. I would rather name the Highway after Rita Blackhorse. She did more for the community on her knees than white boy Kirk.”

The Navajo Nation Department of Transportation (NNDOT), which has authority over infrastructure decisions within tribal lands, formally reviewed the proposal this month. After internal discussions and community feedback, the department unanimously voted to reject the request.

Arizona State Route 264 spans over 160 miles and serves as a vital corridor for communities across the Navajo and Hopi reservations. The proposal included renaming a portion of the highway between Tuba City and Window Rock.

Tribal members expressed concerns that Kirk’s political views and affiliations—particularly his criticism of federal tribal programs and opposition to land acknowledgments—clash with the values and priorities of Native nations.

For now, the road remains as it has long been known—State Route 264, a symbol of connection across the high desert, untouched by outside political ambitions.

08/29/2025

First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren Removes Parade Viewing Spot Along Highway 264 at Night in Window Rock

WINDOW ROCK, AZ — In an unexpected move at night, First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren personally oversaw the removal of an informal parade viewing spots along Arizona Highway 264 in Window Rock. The area had been traditionally used by community members during the Navajo Nation Fair parade but raised increasing concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic hazards.

The Navajo Nation Fair parade, a major cultural event attracting thousands each year, has long drawn crowds to the highway’s roadside. However, with growing safety risks due to congestion and vehicles, Blackwater-Nygren took decisive action to clear the spot overnight, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing community safety.

“While these gathering spots are important to our people for someone reason, we cannot allow the community to be put at risk,” stated Blackwater-Nygren. “Removing the parade spot during the quiet hours ensures that everyone will be safer when the event begins and remember that tribal members are allowed to live here on the property assigned to you, but the highway right-of-away doesn’t belong to you.”

The nighttime removal sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some praising the proactive safety measures and others expressing concern over the loss of a familiar tradition of calming the best parade spot each year. Navajo Nation officials are now working to establish officially designated viewing areas that balance cultural participation with public safety.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed about the updated parade viewing guidelines through the Navajo Nation Fair’s official communications.

08/29/2025

Blue Corn Mush Floods Kayenta Township Office

Shane Begay — August 29, 2025

KAYENTA, ARIZONA – A traditional breakfast took an unexpected turn Wednesday morning when gallons of blue corn mush overflowed from a large cooking pot and flooded parts of the Kayenta Township Office. The incident occurred as staff prepared for a private wedding. The mush, left simmering overnight in the staff kitchen, spilled out and spread across the office lobby, causing temporary closure and a sticky cleanup.

“It was supposed to be ready by sunrise,” said Al Tsosie, the township’s building manager. “But someone must’ve turned the dial too far. By the time we got here, it had already made its way down the hallway like a thick, purple blob. The slow-moving mush seeped under office doors and coated the tile floors, prompting employees to evacuate while maintenance crews worked to contain the mess.

No injuries were reported, but several documents and office supplies were lost to the overflow. “It smelled amazing,” said clerk Jenny Blackhorse. “But I never thought I’d need rubber boots to get to my desk. It was like something out of a Navajo cooking show gone wrong. I called my mom and told her to bring us some containers so we can pack a few gallons for the weekend.” Township services were relocated to nearby office locations for the remainder of the day.

The unexpected flood sparked a wave of online reactions from local residents, many of whom saw humor in the situation. “People are already calling it the ‘Return of the Mush Blob,’” joked Leonora Tso. “We take pride in our traditional foods, but this was more than we bargained for.” Despite the chaos, she confirmed the wedding will proceed as planned, with plenty of blue corn mush—this time prepared offsite.

Cleanup crews spent most of the day removing mush from carpets and equipment, and the building is expected to reopen soon. “We’re looking at it as a blessing in disguise,” said Tsosie. “If anything, it proves just how much Kayenta loves its blue corn and so much the rez mutts.”

08/28/2025

City of Phoenix Asks Navajo Nation to Limit Water Use Amid Drought

By June McAllen | August 28, 2025

PHOENIX, AZ — As Arizona faces another year of extreme drought, the City of Phoenix is formally asking the Navajo Nation to voluntarily reduce its water usage to help preserve strained regional water supplies. The request, announced Tuesday by the Mayor, comes as water levels in the Colorado River system continue to fall. “This drought impacts all of us,” said the Mayor. “We’re urging every community — including our tribal neighbors — to join us in conserving water for future generations. We need water for our grassy lawns, swimming pools, and golf courses.”

Tribal leaders responded with caution, pointing out that many Navajo families still lack basic water access. “For decades, our people have lived without running water while cities like Phoenix expanded unchecked,” said Navajo Nation President. “We are open to dialogue, but my phone is full of video and pictures of me at fair events.”

Most homes on the Navajo Nation do not have access to piped water, relying instead on water hauling and shared wells. Tribal officials argue that asking the Nation to cut back when many residents already use minimal amounts is unfair. “We use far less water per household than urban centers,” said Navajo Council Delegate Cherry Long. “It’s not reasonable to place the burden on us. We need water. Right now, there are three Council Delegates waiting in line to fill up their water barrels in the back of the building. I don’t think the people of Phoenix understand our situation here.”

Phoenix officials emphasized that the request is voluntary, and part of a broader conservation push across the region. “This isn’t about blame,” said City Water Director Greg Guy. “It’s about working together to stretch every drop during an unprecedented crisis. I know there is someone up in Northern Arizona taking five showers a day. Maybe only take one shower before going to bed.”

The two governments are expected to meet next month to discuss water-sharing strategies and long-term cooperation. In the meantime, the request has sparked a larger conversation about equity, survival, and the future of water in the Southwest.

The Navajo Independent

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