WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Diné bizaad, is now the official language of the Navajo Nation.
On Dec. 24, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed long-awaited legislation to have the Navajo language used, taught and supported by appropriations.
“One of my priorities coming in as President has always been to make sure that we make Navajo cool again,” Nygren said. “It's exciting to see the work that's being done. And, so, I commend the Navajo Nation Council for doing that, and I really want to commend all of you for doing that.”
The legislation to make Navajo the official language of the Navajo Nation was sponsored by Navajo Nation Council Delegate Shawna Claw. It states, “Since time immemorial, our people survived by maintaining our value system given by the HoIy People. The core of our value system is embedded in the language."
Nygren said leaders of today need to ensure that the generation of Navajos not yet been born have the chance to learn the language of their grandparents and great-grandparents.
“What kind of opportunities can they have to learn our beautiful Navajo language?” he asked. “Today is going to be a good day because we're going to sign that into law. Then it's the official language of the Navajo Nation.”
