The Navajo Independent

09/26/2025

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.

08/21/2025

08/20/2025

Tuba City Enacts Nightly Internet Shutdown to Help Students Sleep

By Chad Whitehair | August 20, 2025 | Tuba City, AZ

TUBA CITY, ARIZONA — In a community-first effort to support student wellness, Tuba City officials on the Navajo Nation have ordered a nightly shutdown of internet and 5G services from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM during the first month of the school year. The policy, which began this week, is aimed at encouraging students to go to bed earlier and focus on school success without late-night digital distractions within five miles from the Tuba City High School.

Council Delegate Doug Gamble explained the decision came after repeated concerns from local educators and parents. “We’re seeing kids come to school tired and disconnected. Shutting off the internet for a few hours is a small sacrifice to protect their health and learning,” he said. The temporary shutdown was arranged in cooperation with local telecom providers and will run until September 30.

Reactions from families in the community have been mixed. While many parents support the decision, some have raised concerns about unintended consequences for adults and older students who work or study at night. “I understand the reason, and I agree in spirit,” said Rachel Chee, a mother of three. “I have no peace when my kids are awake. After they fall asleep, I can enjoy watching hours of My Dress-Up Darling on Crunchyroll and go to bed happy.”

Local health professionals are praising the move, noting the link between screen time and sleep problems in youth. “Too much late-night device use affects sleep quality and mental focus,” said Dr. Lonnie Begay, a pediatrician at Tuba City Regional Health Care. “This kind of leadership shows a real commitment to long-term student health. Back in the day we only had to worry about kids staying up late watching Disney movies on VHS. It was easy to turn off the TV with one button.”

Students themselves have mixed feelings, though some are beginning to see the benefits. “At first, I thought it was unfair,” said Dylan Tsosie, a junior at Tuba City High School. “But now I’m actually going to sleep earlier—and waking up feeling better. Usually, I would watch xHamster clips and still up until 2:00 AM.” The Navajo Nation Council says it will evaluate the results of the policy in late September to decide whether to continue or expand the effort.

08/18/2025

Navajo Housing Authority Adds HOA-Style Rules to Lease Agreements

By Daniel Begaye jr.
The Navajo Independent
July 29, 2025

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – The Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) has begun implementing Homeowners Association-style rules into its residential lease agreements, a move aimed at improving the appearance and maintenance of homes across its developments. The updated leases will now include requirements such as yard upkeep, restrictions on vehicle storage, noise limits in certain areas, and approval for exterior changes to housing units.

NHA officials say the new standards are part of an ongoing effort to promote safer, cleaner, and more organized neighborhoods. “We want to support community pride and preserve housing for future generations,” said NHA Executive Director Michale Denetsosie “These standards are meant to protect residents’ quality of life, not to punish them. No one wants to hear a grinder and welding in the middle of the night.”

Some Navajo residents, however, have voiced concerns about how the rules will be enforced and whether they’ll be flexible for elders and low-income families. “I understand wanting to keep things nice, but not everyone can keep the weeds away or fix what’s broken around their home. There is no Home Depot around here,” said Angela Nez, a resident in Shiprock. “They should work with us, not against us. We can’t afford help, even the locals' drunks are requesting big bucks for simple yard work, and once you hire one, they don’t leave. They call their friends over and drink all my water from the garden hose. I call them rez pigeons.”

In response, NHA says it will provide resources to help residents comply, including clean-up assistance for elders and informational sessions explaining the new rules. “We are committed to making this transition fair and respectful,” said Daniel William, an NHA housing manager. “This is about partnership, not punishment.”

The new lease agreements will take effect starting November 1, 2025, for all new tenants and during renewal for current residents. NHA plans to monitor the rollout closely and adjust the rules based on community feedback. “We’re open to hearing from residents and making changes where needed,” said the Executive Director. “Right now, we are exploring other options like a fee of $10,000 to exempt residents from these rules. If you can afford a new truck, you can afford the fee option.”

08/12/2025

Mandatory Drug and Pregnancy Tests Spark Debate Ahead of 2025 Miss Utah Navajo Pageant

By Doug Long | Diné Dispatch | August 2025

With the 2025 Miss Utah Navajo pageant set for August 29 in Montezuma Creek, controversy is building over the decision by pageant organizers to require all contestants to complete drug and pregnancy testing prior to the event. The policy reportedly implemented this year for the first time, has raised questions about privacy, consent, and cultural values.

Pageant officials say the screenings are intended to maintain the pageant's expectations around health and moral conduct. “This is about ensuring our contestants represent our community’s values with integrity, we just got a new Dollar store and streetlights,” said one pageant coordinator who asked not to be named. “We want to uphold high standards here in Mussi town USA, and this is part of that process.” However, the policy has not been formally posted on the pageant’s public website, and some applicants say they were not notified until weeks after submitting applications.

The move has prompted backlash from community members and advocacy groups, who view the testing as invasive and potentially discriminatory. “This isn’t just about a pageant—it’s about bodily autonomy and the way we treat young Native women,” said Mike Nez, owner of Whitehorse Auto Repair. “Requiring a pregnancy test for participation sends the wrong message and implies shame around something natural. As one of the sponsors, I wouldn’t want any of the contestants to feel shame. I want them to be happy, like when I fixed Irene Livingston’s spinning rims last week. She was giddy as a schoolgirl when she left my shop.”

Some former contestants have also voiced concerns, saying the policy risks undermining the cultural purpose of the pageant. “The Miss Utah Navajo title is about language, leadership, and tradition,” said Marissa Stash, a local concerned parent. “Medical screening doesn’t reflect any of those values—it reflects mistrust. People will end up taking the drug and pregnancy test for them, and by doing so will turn the trust between the contestants and their parents upside down. Next thing you know, they will be cleaning up the restroom at the Sinclair Gas Station.”

As of this week, organizers have not released a public statement addressing the criticism. With the pageant deadline fast approaching, many are calling for greater transparency and for the community to reconsider what qualifies a Diné woman to lead and represent her people on stage.

07/29/2025

Rezball Canceled Until $24.2 Million from ZenniHome Returned, Say Navajo Nation Council

By Shawn Gamble
The Navajo Independent
July 29, 2025

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation has officially canceled the upcoming rezball season in protest over the disappearance of $24.2 million from a failed housing project with ZenniHome, a modular housing company. The money, originally intended to bring sustainable homes to families in need, has yet to result in a single completed unit. Tribal officials said the drastic action is meant to bring national attention to the unresolved financial scandal. “Rezball is sacred to us, but so is our future,” said Council Delegate Jerry Greg. “Until every dollar is returned, we will not pretend everything is okay. The local schools will send out announcements for cancelling this year’s basketball season and perhaps football until we get answers from Buu.”

The ZenniHome partnership began in 2024 with high hopes and press coverage, but by mid-2025, concerns grew over how quickly funds were transferred and how little oversight was exercised. An audit revealed irregularities and a lack of documented progress on housing construction. “Where are the homes? Where is the transparency?” asked Eddie Begay, a former tribal housing official. “My second and third wives need homes. What do the tribe expect me to do, work, and build homes with my own money? All cheap, I’m not McDonald Trump.” ZenniHome issued a brief statement denying wrongdoing and claiming it is cooperating with ongoing investigations, but trust has eroded within the Nation.

The cancellation has struck an emotional chord with youth and families who rely on Rezball not just for recreation, but for hope, scholarships, and pride. “It’s heartbreaking, I was told to go home and reheat my grandma’s three-day old stew instead of practicing,” said 16-year-old Kayenta guard Marissa Cheapskate. “We’ve worked so hard, and now it's gone — but I support the decision. I believe in our leaders.” Coaches and chapter leaders echoed the sentiment, with some organizing teach-ins on financial sovereignty and tribal governance in place of practices.

While many are angry and frustrated, tribal leaders insist the cancellation is not permanent — but a symbolic pause demanding justice. “This is not about punishing our youth. This is about showing the world that we will not be silent when our people are exploited,” Delegate Jerry added. Investigations into the ZenniHome deal are ongoing, with subpoenas already issued. Until then, the courts are quiet — and the message is loud.