WASHINGTON D.C. — Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, along with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, advocated for federal funding and changes in the federal budget process during the week of March 18 at the quarterly Tribal Interior Budget Council meeting held in Washington, D.C.

The TIBC serves as a critical platform for tribal leaders to engage with federal representatives on matters related to budgetary allocations and funding priorities within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and other agencies.

Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Council Delegates Eugenia Charles-Newton, Cherilyn Yazzie, Otto Tso, and Nathan Notah participated in discussions focused on...

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Chair of the Law and Order Committee Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton, provided testimony to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 20, urging for equitable compensation and benefits for Public Law 93-638 employees, guaranteed funding allocations for the replacement of Bureau of Indian Affairs facilities, and the strengthening of collaborative efforts with federal public safety counterparts.

During a hybrid listening session convened by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the focus was cast on the critical needs concerning public safety and justice resources within native communities.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Charles-Newton shared...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved emergency Legislation No. 0020-24 on March 26. The legislation would appropriate almost $1 million from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance for expenses in preparation of the 2024 Navajo Nation Elections, if signed into law by the Navajo Nation President.

Legislation sponsor Speaker Crystalyne Curley expressed concerns that the Navajo Election Administration currently does not have enough funds in its budget to adequately conduct all the upcoming Navajo Nation 2024 elections, including the hiring of temporary employees, renovation of facilities, and related operating expenses.

“These emergency funds will address...

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I can’t believe it — it’s only March, and my cat Flicker is already scratching himself silly with fleas! He has terrible skin reactions to flea bites. How can I get rid of them? — Jesse B., Oak Ridge, Tennessee

DEAR JESSE: Flea infestations are awful, aren’t they? As the seasons change and the weather warms up, flea activity rises, and pet owners start seeing more evidence of fleas on their pets and around their homes.

Fleas aren’t just annoying. They can carry diseases that are transmissible to pets and humans. Tapeworms and cat scratch disease are just two of the potential ills that a flea infestation can bring into your home.

Tackle a flea problem...