WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — During the second day of the Winter Council Session on Jan. 23, the 25th Navajo Nation Council voted 17-0 to override Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s veto of a resolution to allow for virtual attendance at chapter meetings.
When the Naabik’iyati’ Committee considered the legislation on Dec. 28, legislation sponsor, Council Delegate Vince James (Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kin Dah Lichíí, Steamboat), stated that the legislation does not mandate chapters to allow virtual attendance, but gives chapters the option to develop procedures to allow virtual participation for community members.
“It gives each chapter the right to choose whether or not they will allow virtual attendance and adopt their own virtual meeting policies,” James said on Dec. 28. “The intent is to provide chapters with an additional resource to address issues like meeting quorum, meeting attendance, and community engagement.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved the original legislation in October, which was then vetoed by President Nygren on Nov. 3, citing concerns over personal presence, virtual verification of chapter membership for voting, and a lack of community engagement.
“Allowing virtual attendance at chapter meetings is beneficial to establishing quorum which allows chapter business to keep moving forward,” James said. “It also promotes community involvement in government at the chapter level.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted 17 in favor and none opposed for Legislation No. 0255-23, which required two-thirds approval, or 16 supporting votes. The legislation will become law upon certification by the Speaker of the Council.
