~Est. 1987 • OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE HOPI TRIBE • NEWS SOURCE FOR THE HOPI PEOPLE~

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

Volume 31

Number 2

38˚/15˚

Sunny

WEDNESDAY

JANUARY

18, 2023

~Est. 1987 • OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE HOPI TRIBE • NEWS SOURCE FOR THE HOPI PEOPLE~

Telephone connections prompt PSAs

from local Tribal Departmens/telephone/

cellphone compaDetails...PG 2- 3

nies...

JANUARY is

National

“Dry January

Month”...

PG 6

COLUMN

Page 17

LARRY’S CORNER

See the problem is...

Read more about it

COMMUNITY

Page 3

Hopi Behavioral Services

Warns Community about

Group Home Targeting...pg. 7

Pictured above: Two Arizona Native women, Renae

Mahkewa - Hopi-Tewa and Tiffany Bahnimptewa Hopi, sang the National Anthem at the Phoenix Suns

Game in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sunday, January 8, 2023

HOPI TUTUVENI

PO BOX 123

KYKOTSMOVI, AZ 86039

1110-01600-7460

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Public Service Announcement

Hopi

Law Enforcement Services

Currently Experiencing

Phone Lines Issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by: LaVaun Dyer,

Police Administrator, Hopi Law

Enforcement Services

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – December

2, 2022 Hopi Law Enforce-

ment Services is currently

experiencing issues with our

phone lines.

Hopi Law Enforcement Services

Emergency Services Phone

Line Issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Or if at all possible, call Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – January 4, 2023 Hopi Law Enforcement Services

from a landline phone to 928- (HLES) continues to experience issues with receiving incoming phone

calls from cellular phones (regardless of the cellphone provider) to

734-7340.

the HLES landline phone number (928)734-7340.

HLES

Alternate Number:

928-497-1493

Incoming calls from cellu- We apologize for this inconlar phones are being received, venience and are working to

however, the caller cannot get this issue resolved.

hear dispatch on the other end.

Please use the HLES alternate number if you experience

this issue.

Public Service Announcement

January 4, 2023

The Department of Public Safety and Emergency Services is aware of

this issue and is working in coordination with Tribal Leadership, Hopi

Tribal Information Technology Department, CellularOne and Hopi

Telecommunications, Inc. (HTI) to resolve this issue.

On June 30, 2022, CellularOne notified the Hopi Tribe Information

Technology Services and stated their roaming partners were shutting

off their 3G network and upgrading to the Voice over LTE or VoLTE.

CellularOne described VoLTE as “high definition voice” because call

quality is significantly better when using LTE. CellularOne recommended to customers to contact their customer care representatives

to upgrade. CellularOne customers can contact the customer service

line at 1-800-730-2351 for additional information.

When calling for emergency services, HLES recommends using a landline phone to call (928)734-7340. In addition, if you currently have

Wi-Fi connection via HTI set up in your home, HTI recommends the

homeowner to hook up a home landline in case emergency calls need

to be made. HTI customers may contact the customer service line at

(928) 738-4674.

If a landline phone is unavailable to use and only a cellular device is

available, call HLES at (928) 497-1493, for emergency services. Please

share and save this alternate phone number on your cellular devices.

We apologize for this inconvenience and are working on solutions to

get this issue immediately resolved.

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Public Service Announcement

January 11, 2023

Hopi Telecommunications, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Keams Canyon, Ariz. - January 11, 2023 In light of the recent

Public Service Announcements

regarding cell phone issues, emergency calls to HLES and general

calls made using a cell phone;

Cellular One has come to Hopi

to work in resolving issues. They

continue to work on their issue

with connectivity.

Hopi Telecommunications is the

local landline and internet provider. Calls made from a landline

aka home phones to any other

landlines are secure. Some choose

not to plug in a landline phone

which is up to the customer but

due to the recent cell phone issues,

having a home landline is still a

necessity on Hopi and surrounding

areas to connect reliably.

It has been determined the cell

phone issues do not stem from

HTI and HTI is not responsible for

any issues if using a cell phone to

make calls.

The cell phone issues to HLES

are present when using a cell

phone but if calling from a landline the call will be connected.

Any issues with landlines or

internet can be reported to Hopi

Telecommunications at 928-7384674 or at HOPI TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. P.O. Box 125,

Keams Canyon, AZ 86034.

Public Service Announcement for

Hopi Tutuveni Newspaper

Cellular One Says

Hopi Safety is a Top Priority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by: Cellular One

Showlow, Ariz. - January 12,

2023, A Public Service Announcement (PSA) issued by the Hopi Tribal

Emergency last week stated that:

Hopi Law Enforcement Services

(HLES) continues to experience

issues with receiving incoming phone

calls from cellular phones (regardless of the cellphone provider) to the

HLES landline phone number (928)

734-7340.

“First and foremost, our priority

is supporting the safety of the Hopi

people. If mobile callers on Hopi are

having trouble reaching Hopi Law

Enforcement Services (HLES), we

view this as an urgent problem,” said

Cellular One CEO Judd Hinkle.

“In fact, over the last four months

we have responded to every concern

about call connections. Our actions

have included directing calls over

different routes, ordering and implementing additional circuits, call testing, and call tracing. With the close

cooperation of technicians at Hopi

Telecommunications, Inc. (HTI), we

anticipate a quick resolution to the

matter.”

Also, regarding the PSA issued

January 4, 2023, by HLES, the Cellular One team would like to point

out that the announcement blended

two unrelated telecom topics into one

communication to the public. This

has caused concerns that the message

may be misinterpreted by the public.

In the middle of the PSA, there are

a handful of sentences excerpted from

a letter that Cellular One sent to its

customers on June 30, 2022, about

the fact that the carrier’s roaming

partners were turning down their 3G

networks and pivoting voice service

entirely to VoLTE (voice over LTE).

This migration to VoLTE technology

has been in the works for years.

Unfortunately, taken out of context,

this verbiage from Cellular One’s

letter to its customers may unintentionally mislead members of the

Hopi public into thinking that this

milestone has something to do with

the current challenges some mobile

phone users are facing when trying to

make a call to the Hopi Emergency

Services landline.

To clarify: VoLTE and the current

public safety issue are not related.

“We completely believe that no one

intentionally created misinformation,

but we wanted to help bring clarity,”

added Hinkle.

“Also, we wish to emphasize again

that our team is ready to work in concert with HLES and HTI to resolve

the issues with some mobile phone

calls not always connecting through

to the Hopi Emergency Services landline. Hopi safety is a priority!”

RESOURCES: Per the PSA

issued by HLES: If a landline phone

is unavailable to use and only a cellular device is available, call HLES

at (928) 497-1493, for emergency

services.

If Cellular One customers have

questions about VoLTE, they are

encouraged to call Customer Care at

1-800-730-2351.

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL

1st Quarter Session

December 1, 2022

Month of January 2023 AGENDA

X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Discussion and possible action – Letter dated March

31, 2022 Re: Village of Shungopavi’s request for information regarding land lease, including ownership of the property comprising the Hopi Cultural Center – Craig Andrews,

Vice Chairman, Hopi Tribe – Tabled

2. Discussion and possible action - Letter dated by

September 19, 2022 RE: Survey conducted by Hopi Elections Office from Dale Sinquah, Tribal Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages – Tabled

3. Action Item #090-2022 - Intergovernmental Agreement between the State of Arizona and the Hopi Tribe –

Author/Donovan Gomez, Hopi Senom Transit – Tabled

4. Action Item #093-2022 – To amend the Rules of

Order for the Hopi Tribal Council to provide a streamlined

process of the Tribal Council parliamentary procedures that

will be followed during meetings of the Tribal Council –

Author/Marilyn Fredericks, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Bacavi – Tabled

XI. NEW BUSINESS

1. Action Item #007-2023 – To accept grant award

from the U.S. Department of Justice in the amount of

$719,669.00 – Author/Tanya Monroe

2. Action Item #010-2023 – Bureau of Land Management Grant Award Title: Utah Bears Ears Land Management Through the Lens of the Hopi Tribal Government,

Hopi Elders and Hopi Youth – Author/Stewart B. Koyiyumptewa, Hopi Cultural Preservation Office

3. Action Item #013-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal

Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Lucietta Wytewa – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Office of Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal

Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages

- *Time Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

4. Action Item #014-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal

Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Shelly

Talas – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Office

of Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal CouncilRepresentative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time

Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

5. Action Item #015-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal

Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Adri-

enne Talaswaima – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal

Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages

- *Time Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

6. Action Item #16-2023 - To approve a Hopi Tribal Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for

Tracy Billy - Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist,

Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal Council

Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time

Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

7. Action Item #017-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal

Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Mary

Talayumptewa – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal

Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages *Time Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

8. Action Item #018-2023 - To approve a Hopi Tribal Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for

Candace Ami - Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist,

Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal CouncilRepresentative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time

Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

9. Action Item #019-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal

Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Susan

Ross – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Hopi

Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time Certain,

Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

10. Action Item #20-2023 - To approve a Hopi Tribal

Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Darlene Mahle - Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist,

Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal Council

Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time

Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

11. Action Item #021-2023 – Walpi Housing Management Agreement – Author/Fred Lomayesva, General

Counsel, Office of the General Counsel

12. Action Item #022-2023 – To appoint Trevor Reed

as Appellate Justice of the Hopi Appellate Court – Author/

Raymond Namoki, Member, Hopi Law & Order Committee

Continued pg. 5

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL

1st Quarter Session

January 2023 AGENDA, contin...

13. Discussion & Possible

Action – Letter dated September 2,

2022 from Ronald Honahni, Governor, Upper Village of Moenkopi; RE:

Request to Explore Gaming in the

Upper Village of Moenkopi – Leroy

Sumatzkuku, Tribal Council Representative, Upper Village of Moenkopi

– Referred to Hopi Gaming Committee

14. a. Letter dated October 6,

2022 from Archie Duwahoyeoma,

Bear Clan Elder/Village Leader,

Mishongnovi Village; RE: Musangnuvi Village Elections – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council Representative,

Village of Sipaulovi

b. Letter dated November 16,

2022 from Archie Duwahoyeoma;

RE: Request for appearance for the

purpose of updating the Council on

the current governmental situation of

Mishongnovi Village – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council Representative,

Village of Sipaulovi - **Time Certain

- January 3, 2023 - 9:30 a.m. (both a

and b)

15. Letter dated November

23, 2022 from Robert Charley; RE:

Resubmission of Letter of Interest for

Re-appointment in current position as

Hopi Tribal Housing Authority Board

of Commissioners – William Charley,

Tribal Council Representative, Upper

Village of Moenkopi

16. Letter dated November 18,

2022 from Dwayne Secakuku; RE:

HTHA BOC Member Resignation

– Danny Honanie, Tribal Council

Representative, Village of

Kykotsmovi

17. Presentation of Special

Master’s Report & Hopi Tribe’s

Objections to Final Report concerning the Little Colorado River (LCR)

litigation by Osborn Maledon – Dale

Sinquah, Water/Energy Committee

Member

18. Letter dated December 8,

2022 from Rachel Hood, YavapaiApache Nation, Deputy Political

Director, Arizona Democratic Party – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council

Representative, Village of Sipaulovi

- **Time Certain – January 24, 2023

from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

XII. REPORTS

1. Office of the Chairman

2. Office of the Vice Chairman

3. Office of Tribal Secretary

4. Office of the Treasurer

5. Office of the Executive Director

- Updated Report – Directive – HTC

Resolution H-058-2021

6. Office of the General Counsel

7. Land Commission

8. Water/Energy Committee

9. Transportation Committee

10. Law & Order Committee

11. Investment Committee a.

Moencopi Developers Corporation b.

Walpi Housing Management Agreement communications c. Updating of

the Hopi Tribe’s Investment Policy

d. Status of Moenkopi Developers

Corporation Hopi Loan

12. Health/Education Committee

13. Building Communities Update

on status and objectives of Joint

Village Strategic Planning - Letter

dated November 9, 2022 From Brian

Cole – William Charley, Tribal Council Representative, Upper Village of

Moenkopi

14. Pandemic Recovery Committee – Narrative written programmatic

report and financial status regarding

the recovery efforts undertaken utilizing said funds – Wallace Youvella, Jr.,

Tribal Council Representative, First

Mesa Consolidated Villages

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

*Hopi Tribal Council may go into

Executive Session on any agenda item

**Time Certain Requests

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

January is National “Dry January Month”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By: Bernadean Kachinhongva, HSAPC Mentor

Kykotsmovi, AZ – December 27, 2022 The month of January is National “Dry January

Month”. The HOPI Substance Abuse Prevention Center (HSAPC) would like to raise awareness

of Dry January. This is a public health campaign designed to educate people on the increase of

alcohol and substance use throughout the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in

the increase of alcohol consumption.

Dry January was observed in the United States in 1920 after the eighteenth amendment was

proposed by the United States senate in 1917. It went dormant for a while, the awareness has

been increasing as of 2014. Individuals who recognized an increase in their alcohol consumption

made the change by exercising this awareness. This awareness can be challenging for some individuals. If you are unsure of your relationship with alcohol consider asking yourself the following questions:

Am I using alcohol as a tool to cope with stressful situations?

Do I find myself stressed out without it?

How many alcoholic drinks per day or week have I consumed?

Has my alcohol consumption impacted my personal and/or professional relationships?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, please consider exercising this awareness.

HSAPC staff encourages you to seek help and continue to abstain from alcohol and substance

use. You are a valuable individual and we see your value.

The HSAPC staff would like to share some encouraging exercises that may be helpful in your

journey with “Dry January”. First, create an environment where you’re going to succeed. Hide,

throw away, and pour out your alcoholic beverages. Out of sight out of mind!! Second, recruit a

friend, family member, and supportive individual to the challenge to assist you with your efforts.

You can encourage each other and possibly recruit others to join the exercise/challenge. Third,

schedule things that you enjoy doing. Examples can be cooking with loved ones, taking walks

with loved ones, starting a new hobby you’ve been thinking of trying, or spending time with an

elderly. Do your best to keep busy in a positive way. As a grant recipient of the Arizona’s Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family’s - Trauma Informed Substance Abuse Prevention Program (funds provided through SAMHSA), the HSAPC staff receive trauma informed care training and utilize strategies in our services. HSAPC mentors help individuals work through their

physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing journey. “We believe in honoring ourselves by

living an honest, sober, balanced life”. Healing begins with you!

HSAPC mentors provide one to one mentoring services for youth and adults, group classes,

community presentations, supportive programs for local schools, and cognitive restructuring for

a positive recovery journey. All HSAPC services are free of charge, as we are a non-profit organization. We encourage all who are in their recovery journey to take it one day at a time; sometimes it’s one moment at a time. If you feel comfortable reaching out to HSAPC mentors, call

928-734-0300. You can also call Hopi Behavioral Health Services at 928-737-6300 to schedule

an appointment, or call your local Behavioral Health facility.

The Hopi Tutuveni

Team

sends out positive

energy to all during

the NEW YEAR 2023!

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Public Service Announcement

THE TOP RED FLAGS FOR UNETHICAL TREATMENT

FOR NATIVE AMERICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by: Hopi Behavioral Health Services

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – January 13, 2023 If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorders and/

or alcoholism please seek help from your local behavioral health provider, ER, primary care physician or detox facility. With the rise in kidnappings and human trafficking on and around the reservations, follow these tips to keep you

safe:

1. Avoid getting into unmarked passenger vans or SUVs. They can vary in color but are typically silver, white, black, and in some cases, red.

2. Never get in a vehicle with someone who is offering you alcohol, food, money or free housing. This is enticement, and not only is it dangerous, it’s also illegal.

3. Always ask the driver for a business card with the company name and phone numbers and share with a relative or peer. Also get at least a

business card that has an address for where you’ll be taken. Reputable treatment centers DO NOT send drivers or “recruiters” to pick up patients

on the reservation, from jails, bus stops, homeless shelters, on the roads, or off the streets in border towns.

4. Beware of a 30-day blackout period. While there is some value and benefit to cutting you off from drug dealers, gang members and your

family, there is also an increased chance that you will be reported missing. If they take your phone or sim card away and tell you that you can’t

speak to anyone, this is NOT the place for you. Most treatment center have a 7-day blackout period and this is discussed with your support network or the agency that referred you.

5. Always obtain a business card, a website address, and brochure. If a case manager or discharge planner can’t find them by doing a simple

internet search, they are probably NOT an ethical treatment center.

Should you choose to go off the reservation for treatment, here are some of the top red flags to look for once you’ve been admitted into the treatment facility or sober home:

1. Were you in fact admitted? Reputable treatment centers have a formal intake process that includes at least three assessments: screening with

an admissions rep, an assessment by a nurse or behavioral health rep, and an assessment with a behavioral health provider or clinician. If you

weren’t assessed, you’re probably not going to get treatment and you’re just there to help the “recovery house” earn a check.

2. Are you being given the basic necessities like food, hygiene products and a safe shelter? These are all things that should be included in your

care. Unethical providers often times don’t provide any of these.

3. You should never be asked for you CIB, SNAP benefits or access to any of your banking information for any reason. Do not sell your information. Unethical providers offer to buy your food stamps in hopes that you’ll take the money and keep you trapped in their care.

4. They may offer you money to stay. This is body brokering and it’s illegal. If someone offers you money to stay or bring in more patients, they

are doing this to collect more money from AHCCCS. Should the government find out about this activity, you may be prosecuted to the fullest

extent of the law.

5. If zoom meetings are the only services they offer, this is not treatment. An ethical provider will offer a full curriculum of services including

group therapy, individual therapy, family counseling, traditional healing, case management, outings and activities.

6. If you can drink at the house or use drugs, you are being taken advantage of.

Call Hopi Behavioral Health at 928-737-6300 and ask for a Case Manger to get help with placement, transportation or to inquire about a facility

that you may be interested in.

Original flyer created by Reva Stewart, Navajo Nation.

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency Response August 26, 2022

Report (REPUBLISH)

Due to transitions occurring in DHHS the August 26, 2022 COVID 19 report was the latest

data being provided for the public. Until DHHS and Tribal Leadership determines roles of the

Public Health Authority, no reports will be submitted to Hopi Tutuveni. Hopi Tutuveni will

continue republishing this last and latest Covid-19 Report received from DHHS. Although Hopi

is still under Pandemic status and there are active COVID cases on Hopi, until the Hopi DHHS

provides an update this is the only data Hopi Tutuveni has to report to the Hopi public.

KYKOTSMOVI, AZ – July20, 2022

This data is updated on the Hopi Tribe’s website “COVID-19 Response and Resources” page.

Hopi Health Care Center – Community COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Information

COVID-19 vaccines are available in the afternoons on Mondays and Wednesdays for the

month of July for those 6 months and older. To schedule an appointment call (928) 737-6148 or

737-6081.

Appointments are required. For questions about COVID-19 vaccines please call (928) 7376198 or 737-6197.

COVID-19 Testing Drive-up Testing schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM – 9:00

AM. Enter at the west entrance & drive around back. Mask must be worn by everyone in your

vehicle. Please stay in your vehicle at all times. To schedule for testing or for more information

please call (928) 737- 6187 or 6233.

A COVID-19 Hotline has been created by the Hopi Health Care Center to assist with all

COVID-19 related questions and service requests. The hotline is open Monday–Friday from 8

AM – 5 PM. To contact the COVID-19 hotline please call (928) 737-6187.

WHEN USING AN AT-HOME TEST IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REPORT

YOUR RESULTS TO THE

COVID-19 HOTLINE AT HOPI HEALTH CARE CENTER OR TUBA CITY REGIONAL

HEALTH CARE CORPORATION SO THAT ACCURATE DATA IS PROVIDED TO THE

COMMUNITY.

VACCINE UPDATE:

On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of

the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention

of COVID-19 to include use in children down to 6 months of age. For more detailed information

please visit www.cdc.gov

TUBA CITY REGIONAL HEALTH CARE CORPORATION (TCRHCC) COVID-19 TESTING & VACCINATION INFORMATION:

Testing, and now vaccinations, at TCRHCC are being held at the outdoor tent Monday – Friday

from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daylight Savings Time. Rapid and CEPHEID tests can take approximately 3 hours. Send out tests can take 2-3 days. The address for Tuba City Regional Health Care

Corporation is 167 N. Main Street, Tuba City, AZ. For more information regarding Tuba City

Regional Health Care Corporation’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic and testing, please call 1-866976-5941. TCRHCC has at-home COVID-19 test kits available for the community. To request a

test kit please go through the drive up tent from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daylight Savings Time or go

to the pharmacy drive up window after hours.

FREE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS:

You can now order free at-home COVID-19 tests from the U.S. government at covidtests.gov

by calling 1-800-232- 0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Only 4 tests come in an order and only two

orders per household. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Please do not wait to order your tests

when you have been exposed or become symptomatic as the tests will not arrive in enough time

for you to be tested. So please order them now so that you and your loved ones can be prepared.

Households that did not place their first two orders of test kits, can now place their first, second,

AND third order. They must complete the ordering process above three (3) times to place both a

first, second, and third order (for a total of 16 test kits; 4 kits for first order, 4 kits for second order,

8 kits for third order).

FREE N-95 MASKS: The CDC now has a resource on their website where you can see a list

of local pharmacies that have free N-95 masks by using your zip code. Click here or call 1-800232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION CALCULATOR:

The CDC now has a Quarantine and Isolation calculator that helps determine how long you

need to isolate or quarantine.

SYMPTOMS, QUARANTINE, AND ISOLATION:

Watch for Symptoms - people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported –

ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to

the virus and can range from mild to severe. The following are COVID-19 symptoms that people

may experience:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

•New loss of taste or smell

•Sore throat

•Congestion or runny nose

•Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we

learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious

complications from COVID-19 illness.”

Currently, the local health department and HHCC are implement the previously recommended

CDC guidelines which is a 10 day isolation for those who test positive and a 14 day quarantine

for those exposed to an infected individual.

(GLOSSARY ON PG. 5)

Be aware that when someone tests positive they became contagious 2 days before they developed symptoms, or if they are not experiencing symptoms 2 days before they tested positive not

the day they received their results. If someone was less than 6 feet away from a potential positive

case for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period they would be considered

a close contact regardless of whether or not both parties were wearing masks. For example, Molly

was within 6 feet of Craig on Thursday night for 10 minutes and on Friday morning for 5 minutes.

Craig developed symptoms Saturday evening, was tested for COVID on Monday, and received

their results on Wednesday. Because Molly was within 6 feet of Craig for a total of 15 minutes

over a 24 hour period within the 2 day timeframe she is now considered to be a close contact. If

you have been identified as a close contact you may or may not need to quarantine depending on

your vaccination status.

If an unvaccinated individual that is not positive is having to take care of someone that is infected, they will need to quarantine for 14 days beginning on the infected person’s 10th day of

isolation, with that day being Day 0 and the following day being Day 1. That means the caregiver

could potentially be out of work for 24 days. If a vaccinated person that is not positive is having

to take care of someone that is infected, they will not have to quarantine but will need to get

tested 5 days from the 10th day of the infected person’s isolation. If a vaccinated person develops

symptoms while caring for an infected person they will need to get tested as soon as possible and

remain at home until they receive their results.

Re-testing of COVID-19 Positive Employees. Per guidance and alignment with HHCC, CDC,

state and local health departments, and OSHA workplace guidance for COVID-19 re-testing of

positive or suspected COVID-19 employees before they return to work, nor providing letters to

go back to work is not recommended.

The recommended reason for not re-testing is an individual may continue to test positive on

a viral test long after they are recovered from COVID-19. These dead viral particles will turn

viral tests positive even though they cannot cause disease in others. The Hopi Health Care Center

strongly encourages employers to use the CDC’s symptom and criteria below even if they continue to test positive. Once they meet the three criteria, they are no longer considered infectious

to others. However, if the employee was severely ill (hospitalized) or in immunocompromised,

plead advise them to visit their primary care provide before returning to work.

The “checklist” below has been updated as of the most recent COVID-19 guidelines from the

CDC and will be used by employers to determine when an employee with confirmed COVID-19

may return to work safely. For additional questions, please call the Hopi Health Care Center

COVID-19 hotline (928) 737-6188.

□ It’s been at last ten days since I first had symptoms or received my positive diagnosis if I’ve

not had symptoms (please note date of first symptoms: (________)

□ Overall my symptoms have improved and I am feeling better.

□ It’s been at least 72 hours since I last had a fever without using fever-reducing medicine.

If you checked all three boxes, you are no longer a considered at risk to infect others and can

go back to work!

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency Response, Cont. (REPUBLISH)

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

AHCCCS Alerts Members to Targeting Activity

AHCCCS is aware of individuals targeting American Indians/Alaskan Natives who reside on

tribal reservations by recruiting and transporting them to live in what they are calling sober living

homes or behavioral health residential facilities in Phoenix. Some are NOT licensed health care providers who are NOT following through with promised services.

We encourage AHCCCS members to be extremely cautious about getting into vehicles with

individuals they do not know, and to advocate for your own health care services before accepting treatment. Ask questions and obtain as many details as possible, including the company name and address,

name of individual, facility address, whether the facility is licensed, vehicle license plate number (if

applicable), and date and location of contact.

Report Fraud

AHCCCS actively investigates all reports of fraud, waste, and abuse against the Medicaid program. Anyone can report provider or member fraud on the Report Fraud web page or by calling:

Report Provider Fraud. In Arizona: 602-417-4045 Toll Free Outside of Arizona Only: 888-ITS-NOTOK or 888-487-6686

AHCCCS Members Have Rights

If you are approached by someone offering housing assistance, know your rights. You have the right to

know whether the provider is licensed, what services they will provide, and how they will ensure your

care. Ask questions before agreeing to health care services.

Report Concerns About the Quality of Care Received

AHCCCS is committed to ensuring that all members receive quality health care and are able to access

services. If you or any AHCCCS member has experienced a barrier to getting health care services or

have concerns about the quality of services received, please report it to Clinical Quality Management

(CQM) using this online form, by calling (602) 417-4885, or by emailing CQM@azahcccs.gov. All submissions are confidential and protected by Arizona State statute. Contact: Christine Holden - AHCCCS

Tribal Liaison at christine.holden@azahcccs.gov

The Hopi Tribe P.O. Box 123 Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039

Ph: (928) 734-3281 • Ph: (928) 734-3283

Editorial Board of the Hopi Tutuveni

Wilma Dengavi , Gary LaRance, George Mase

Hopi Tutuveni Staff

Managing Editor - Romalita Laban

RLaban@hopi.nsn.us

ARTICLES:

The Hopi Tutuveni welcomes

original articles reporting on

local, state and national news

items on issues related to Hopi

or of interest to Tutuveni readers.

We are especially interested

in articles reporting on issues

impacting the Hopi community or on events and activities

involving members of the Hopi

Tribe. Articles should not exceed

750 words and should follow

Associated Press (AP) style and

formatting. The Managing Editor

reserves the right to edit articles

for style, length and clarity. If

significant editing is required, the

Managing Editor will communicate with the author prior to

publication.

PRESS RELEASES:

Press releases must be submitted

on official letterhead and include

the name of the organization,

contact person, telephone

number and email address. Press

releases should not exceed 500

words and submissions may be

edited for length and clarity at

the discretion of the Managing

Editor.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR:

Letters should not exceed 250

words and must include the

name of the author and complete

contact information (address,

phone number or email address)

CIRCULATION

PH: (928) 289 0974

porturica@gmail.com

and the headline and date of

the article on which you are

commenting. Anonymous letters

and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published.

The Tutuveni Editorial Board

reviews all submissions and

reserves the right not to publish

letters it considers to be highly

sensitive or potentially offensive

to readers, or that may be libelous

or slanderous in nature.

OPINION EDITORIALS:

Submissions must be exclusive

to Hopi Tutuveni and should not

exceed 1,000 words. Include with

your submission your name and

complete contact information,

along with a short 2-3-sentence

bio.

SUBMISSION

INSTRUCTIONS:

All press releases, articles, letters

to the editor and Opinion Editorials electronically as a Word

document or as plain text in the

body of an email to the Managing Editor, Romalita Laban. Articles, press releases and editorials

that include photographs must

be in high resolution, 300dpi

or more and must be your own.

All photographs must include

photo credit and a caption for

each photo listing the names of

all persons included in the photo

and description of what the photo is about. (call 928-734-3283

for deadline schedule).

The Hopi Tutuveni is published twice a month, with a circulation

of 2,500 copies throughout the entire Hopi Reservation. The paper

is delivered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month to the

following locations: Moenkopi Travel Center, Moenkopi Legacy

Inn, Hotevilla Store, Kykotsmovi Village Store, Tribal Government

Complex, Hopi Cultural Center, Hopi Health Care Center, Polacca

Circle M, Keams Canyon Store.

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Hopi Tribal Council

Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma,

Chairman

Craig Andrews

Vice Chairman

Judith Youvella

Tribal Secretary

Nada Talayumptewa,

Tribal Treasurer

Alfonso Sakeva,

Sergeant-At-Arms

Village of Upper

Moenkopi

William Charley

Danny Humetewa Sr.

Leroy Sumatzkuku

Michael Elmer

Village of Bakabi

Marilyn Fredericks

Vacant

Kalle Benallie and Pauly Denetclaw

ICT

FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — Before he was sworn in Tuesday afternoon, the new president for one of the largest tribes

in the country looked confident, maybe a little nervous.

Buu Van Nygren was wearing his signature outfit, a navy blue suit with a light blue button up and a red coral necklace,

as he paced the hallway, located just off the main stage. He shook his arms and shoulders before turning around to walk

back up the hallway.

He was minutes from being introduced on stage alongside his wife, former Arizona state representative and attorney,

Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren.

Nygren’s name was announced and thousands cheered at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona. He walked out with a wide grin and waved at his constituents.

When he addressed the crowd, Nygren focused on a simple but powerful message that he used during his campaign,

“We have one mission, let’s get basic services for the Navajo people,” he said in his inauguration speech. “We need water.

We need roads. We need broadband. We need better public safety.”

Many of those who watched the Navajo Nation presidential inauguration had never been to an event like that before, but

few said they particularly went to the event because Nygren is making history.

Nygren, at 36, is the youngest Navajo Nation president elected. His vice president, Richelle Montoya, is now also the

first female vice president in the tribe’s history.

Nygren selected Richelle Montoya, one of his volunteer campaign workers, to be his vice-president. Nygren heard the

Navajo people’s calls for a woman to be selected as vice-president and said this was important to him.

Montoya was previously chapter president of Torreon/Star Lake Chapter in the eastern agency of the Navajo Nation.

Lenell Francisco, Navajo, described the event as “lots of people — traffic was crazy. Gave me a reason to dress up toContinued pg. 15

day. I thought everything went well,” she said.

Village of Kyakotsmovi

David Talayumptewa

Gary P. Kelhoyouma

Danny Honanie

Herman G. Honanie

Village of Sipaulavi

Rosa Honanie

Anita Bahnimptewa

Raymond Namoki

Village of Mishongnovi

Pansy Edmo

Delores Coochyumptewa

Mervin Yoyetewa

First Mesa Consolidated

Villages

Albert T. Sinquah

Dale Sinquah

Wallace Youvella, Jr.

Vacant

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Hopilavit - Everyday words

Are you into drawing

COMICS?

Submit your comics to

rlaban@hopi.nsn.us

Call 928-734-3281

To find out more

Drawing comics is a great way to show your

drawing skills and your side of Hopi Humor.

If you have the skill and the humor to draw comics

for the Hopi Tutuveni

DISCLAIMER: Comics submitted will become property of Hopi

Tutuveni. Name of artist will be

displayed and not edited when submitted. Hopi Tutuveni has

the right to publish submitted comics.

S M I S M

T U M A L

J U T P A

S P J P C

D I L T O

F T V M A

I A A A P

Y N S W V

O A P O V

H K O A I

O T A K A

T S U Q P

I Y T A B

I K A V O

Y T A L A

O Q E H I

P I

I Q A

Y A W

Y A B

A Q N

U A P

N W O

D I

Y S G

T T F

U O A

K H J

O G O

P K A

N I W

A Q O

I K I

H I K

S I N

S T

I U

V T

A U

Q Q

O A

P Y

Q I

O W

T A

R Y

H U

A M

J A

N A

O Y

P K

HOPI WORDS

Kyesmismuyaw - December

Wiiki’yma - Guide (Singular)

Tuwi’yta - Able (skillful)

Pö’i’yta - Debt (Have)

Sivaqöpqö - Heater

Yuki’at - Accomplishment

Öqala - Determined

Hopiiqatsi - Hopi Way of Life

Tukopna - Accuse

Alögö - Different

Nù’okwa - Kind Hearted

Hintsakpi - Activity

Hötsiwa - Doorway

Ngahu - Medicine

Pu’ason - Afterward

Hiihiko - Drink

Muytala - Moon Light

Qe’ti - Back out of

Nan’ip - Each (of two)

Tömö - Season (Winter)

Novaki - Bakery

Tutuqayiw - Education

Nuvati - Snowed

Tuptsiwni - Belief

Töövu - Ember

Nawini - Suggestion

Kwusiva - Bring

Tumal’aya - Employee

Tsangaw - Thank Goodness

Pàato - Burst

Tunatya - Endeavor

Kyaamuya - Winter (Solstice)

Pitanakts - Cap/Hat

Naatsiki - Factionalize

Hihìiyà - Wow!

Sikiki - Car (Auto)

Qöpqö - Fire place

Kansulmongwi - Chairman

Saavu - Fire wood

Namora - Choice

Tuuqayta - Fluent

Iyoho’ti - Cold (Weather)

Qalaptu - Get Over (Recover)

TICK-TACK-TOE

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Larry’s Corner

See the problem is...

Growing up on the reservation taught me that everything out here is tough to accomplish. I mean, living on

the reservation…life is hard. You would have to work for

everything from food to education and everything in between.

But when I was growing up, I don’t think I ever paid attention to how life was for me then. When you’re a mush

head kitten, it seems you ignore the bad things in your

childhood. Of course, we all have scars, but look at us

now; we’re entirely “NORMAL.”

When you’re a mush head kitten, you don’t think about

the bad things in the “now” REZ life, like drugs and alcohol. Back then, energy, as a simple force, was accessible.

All you had to do was wait till your parents called you

into the house. Or, you could eat at someone’s house, and

they would take you home afterward, right?

As kittens, we knew that there were drugs and alcohol

in the village, but it was never a bother because it was

frowned upon. We would make fun of the village drunks,

and they would cower in shame for what they did. But

nowadays, the entire village seems to be one big drunk

person. And it’s easy to be one big intoxicated person because you can buy alcohol and drugs on the reservation.

All you must do is go next door and ask. Even the “grandma” next door will say, “$20 for a bottle”… it’s that easy.

It’s strange because, in a short amount of time, drugs

and alcohol have shaped and impacted the Hopi community drastically. The drunks we use to make fun of that

cowered in shame seem to have no shame at all. When

did that change? Now we don’t make fun of them anymore. We say, “Daha is drunk again,”…and we go back

to our daily business.

Younger kids already know what a drunken person

looks like even before their first birthday. It’s like we

have engrained drugs and alcohol into our Hopi culture

now, and we accept that it’s part of our everyday tradition.

With drugs and alcohol now seeming to be part of our

culture, killing and stealing acts are followed closely.

See, when I was growing up, I thought that killing and

stealing were only on TV or in the big city. I would have

never thought that those types of words would ever be

used on the Hopi reservation because it was never part of

our vocabulary when I was growing up. But now we hear

that every day in the community and on Facebook. Of

course, we have a legal system that tries to improve our

“problem” but even that is broken and when you have an

entire reservation full of drugs and alcohol, the problem

seems to be growing from generation to generation.

So how can we solve this reservation-wide problem?

That is one question I don’t have a solution for. It’s like

trying to solve a division problem that we haven’t seen in

over 20 years. We cannot solve it, but that doesn’t mean

there isn’t a solution. It just means that this problem is

something that the entire reservation must come up with

and not just a single person or group.

Of course, in schools, we teach our children about

the dangers of drugs and alcohol by showing them what

could happen to them if they do “go down that path.” And

it seems somewhere down the road, they will eventually try drugs and alcohol, and some will become addicted

and others will not, but I guess it’s how we are all raised.

Do we accept that drugs and alcohol are part of the Hopi

culture now? Or do we put a barrier between us to not see

the absolute truth?

When I think of the word “STEAL,” it seems that it

is always used on Facebook. Every time I read it, it will

say something like, “Someone stole my Hopi belt” or

“Someone stole my grandma’s walker.” We are getting

to the point where “BIG CITY” problems are becoming

our problems. Why don’t we do anything about it? Well,

I say it’s because we know that person’s grandmother,

grandfather or relative and they are good people. We are

all scared to accuse someone of stealing because of the

thought of what might happen if we accuse someone for

stealing.

I’m pretty sure that a long time ago, when a Hopi per-

Want to send Larry something? Send to: PO BOX 123, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039

Want to send Larry email? Send to: rlaban@hopi.nsn.us

son was caught stealing, it was dealt with in a village

setting where the person who stole something would do

something to work off their debt to the community. Or

that person would be shamed into not stealing anymore

by having their behavior corrected by the village and not

just an individual. But it’s not like that anymore; we are

a close community, yet we are miles apart because we

don’t know who our neighbors are anymore.

Of course, we have several groups who educate the

community about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and

I applaud them for that. At least they are trying to make

a change for our Hopi people. But, when you have just a

simple group trying to make a change, it is not enough

to make a dent, but they try, and they will continue to

educate the Hopi community about the dangers of drugs

and alcohol. Every Hopi family here on the Hopi reservation has a person who drinks those lives with them, and it

seems that we are forced to accept them as they are.

So, let me ask, is it ok to do that? Is it ok to treat them

like this is part of our culture now? So, what can we do?

I guess that’s something we must “individually” come

up with as a solution. Sometimes we will try to come up

with answers like rehab centers or more PSA’s about the

“DANGERS OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL,”… but are

they working? How can we keep the dangers of drugs and

alcohol away from kids?

I advise you that drugs and alcohol are touchy subjects

on the Hopi reservation. Some will not want to look at the

truth of this epidemic, and some will try to improve the

problem. Educating our younger generation about these

problems is one thing. Eventually, they will not be mush

heads anymore, so they will have to be the ones to come

up with their solution to this problem. All we can do is

try to make sure we are all adults and show our younger

generation that there is still hope in this Hopi world of

ours and one without so much of an impact from drugs

and alcohol if we could just choose not to use either one,

even for one day at a time.

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Lack of firewood for home heating continues to trouble Hopi people

By: Melissa Sevigny, KNAU Newstalk –

Arizona Public Radio

Flagstaff, Ariz. – January 10, 2023 This

is the fourth winter since the Kayenta Coal Mine

closed and left Hopi residents without a reliable

source of heat for their homes. Many tribal members have switched from coal to wood to keep

warm, but the transition hasn’t been easy. KNAU’s

Melissa Sevigny reports, nonprofits have stepped

up to help.

When word came of a firewood giveaway in

Flagstaff, Matt Honanie woke at 4 am to make the

two-hour drive from Hopi and get in line. He and

his wife waited for hours, only to be turned away.

“On the drive home, being sad and all,” Honanie

remembers, “she kind of came up with an idea,

why can’t we help our own people?... When my

wife has an idea, I just got to make it happen for

her.”

That was the birth of Koho4Hopi, a grassroots

nonprofit to supply firewood to Hopi people. It’s

one of sixty organizations that partners with Wood

for Life, a collaborative initiative including the

National Forest Foundation and Coconino National

Forest designed to pair forest restoration work with

tribal firewood needs.

who we give it to… It’s hard thing to think about,

because a lot of the elders are the ones really suffering,” he says.

Elders like Patricia Selestewa, who lives in the

village of Hotevilla with her 13 and 14-year-old

grandsons. Many homes here don’t have electricity,

including her own.

“Since I can’t burn coal, I have to buy wood, but

with limited income, and it costs a lot…” she says.

She worries about running out of firewood before

this winter is over, “especially if we don’t have no

trucks or no chainsaws… and my grandsons are

too young, I don’t think they would be able to use a

chainsaw.”

work is funded by donations and grants, though she

hopes more money will come from the Inflation

Reduction Act. “Our dream is like—imagine if we

could just do everybody. The hundreds of people

we have our wait list. Everybody gets a stove if

they don’t have electricity, if they do, they get a

mini-split,” she says.

Mini-split heaters are ideal, since there’s no need

to chop wood, no risk of chimney fires and no

health hazard from breathing in smoke. Red Feather installed 52 mini-splits on the Hopi and Navajo

Nations last year, with funding from Arizona Public

Service.

Laurel Poleyestewa got one. “I really, really like

it,” she says. “It’s awesome. It’s like my prayers

were answered, all I have to do is click a button

and it gets warm in here.”

Poleyestewa used to hang up plastic sheets and

hole up in her bedroom to stay warm. Now she

doesn’t worry her grandkids will be cold when they

come to visit. But she says she still feels a bit hopeless. “For a while there, everyone was scrambling,

and it just seems like now nobody’s thinking about

it, and people are still trying to stay warm.”

She says many community members and outsiders have stepped in to help, but there’s still so few

resources and so many people in need.

Patricia Selestewa heats her home in Hotevilla

with a wood-burning stove. Photo by: Melissa

Sevigny/KNAU

Matthew Honanie pictured above. Photo by:

Melissa Sevigny/KNAU

In Kykotsmovi Village, volunteers cut and stack

logs that will be sold at a steep discount or given

away. “For myself and my wife,” Honanie explains, “it’s not really working for that money, it’s

more working for the smiles, the thank you’s, the

askwali’s, the kwah’kwa’s.”

The pine trees now on the chopping block were

killed by recent wildfires. They’re huge but Honanie says the wood won’t last long. “It’s just one

of those things where we have to pick and choose

The woodstove in Selestewa’s home was a gift

from Red Feather Development Group. The nonprofit has swapped out about sixty outdated coal

stoves for EPA-certified wood stoves. It also hires

contractors to add insulation and plug up holes.

Alfred Lomahquahu is a program coordinator. He

says, “One of the major problems on Hopi is the

lack of employment. So a lot of the younger generation are moving off. That leaves a lot of older

generation to try to fend for themselves.”

Plus, the tribal government lost more than 80 percent of its revenue when Kayenta Coal Mine shut

down in 2019. The pandemic hit just months later.

“The services are really declining on what they

can do for the people, each village, so that compounds everything,” Lomahquahu says. “So now

you see a lot more nonprofits stepping up.”

Kiera Coughlan, also of Red Feather, says their

Laurel Poleyestewa stands beneath her new

wall-mounted mini-split heating/AC unit. Photo by:

Melissa Sevigny/KNAU

Hopi Tutuveni January 18, 2023

Navajo Nation swears in historic president, vice president…contin., from pg. 11,

Contin., from pg. 11

She voted for Nygren and hopes to see a change

happen.

Other attendees were from Nygren’s hometown

and wanted to see his success story as it unfolded.

Ada Haskan, Navajo, took note of Nygren’s challenging background. He was born into a single-parent household, raised by a grandmother and had

little money.

“I’m very happy for him, really happy,” Haskan

said. “He’s like our next-door neighbor, a little way

from our home.”

Nygren is an alum of Red Mesa High School

which Haskan’s children attended and grandchildren now attend. Her children were classmates with

Nygren and told her how he talked about one day

being president.

The school is located in the upper northeast of Arizona, just below the Utah state line.

Haskan thinks he will be a good leader.

She was joined by her daughter Vernall Molton,

Navajo, who said she’s inspired and humbled by

Nygren’s accomplishment at such a young age.

“The way I look at it is like they say when you’re

40 or 50, that’s when you realize life, you understand life,” she said. “He’s young. I say ‘How does

that happen?’”

Molton said she’s now interested in what he plans

to do in the future and will keep an eye on Navajo

Nation politics moving forward.

“I went to school in Red Mesa, and I didn’t think

anybody would be somewhere here like this,” she

said. “I guess the teachers are doing a good job.”

The Nygren administration’s sole focus is streamlining services and systems for the Navajo people.

For instance, in October, he told ICT that he would

revamp information technology on the Navajo Nation to make the high-tech processes more efficient.

He also said he wants the Navajo Nation to focus

internally, before developing a dependency on the

federal government.

“Right now we don’t truly understand the core development issues within the nation if we don’t clean

house first,” Nygren said. “In order for us to really, truly understand how the federal government is

holding us back, let’s figure out and make ourselves

efficient, effective first. Most of the time, it’s internal Navajo Nation laws and internal Navajo Nation

policies and procedures that’s holding us back.”

Commission President of the Naschitii Chapter Rhonda Herbert, Navajo, said she thought the

ceremony was beautiful and well organized. She

worked with him when he was the chief commercial

officer at the Navajo Engineering and Constructing

Authority and he visited their chapter.

Nygren had previously ran as a vice-presidential

candidate alongside Joe Shirley Jr., who was seeking a third term in 2018. The pair lost by a huge

margin to Jonathan Nez.

For the last four years, many wondered and even

asked Nygren if he would be running for president.

He kept the answer close until 2022 when he left

his job at the Navajo Engineering and Construction

Authority to start his campaign.

Herbert said he visited many elders and those

who were in need. She said he coordinated scattered

water lines and power lines together to provide services to rural homes.

The Navajo Nation is broken into five agencies

that contain 110 local government subdivisions, or

chapters, that have their own chapter house.

She added that her 14-year-old daughter was very

interested in attending the event and feels that stu-

dents, especially high school students, who aren’t

into politics may want to follow the political landscape of the Navajo Nation due to Nygren.

Dwyane Francisco, Navajo, didn’t vote for

Nygren but attended the inauguration anyway because he wanted to support the new administration.

“I came to support and have respect and see how

it goes,” he said.

He grew up in Denver and Texas and voted for the

first time for the 2022 presidential election, which

was in part due to just being in the area.

He said after attending the inauguration he’ll be

more involved in what’s happening on the Navajo

Nation.

Nygren announced across his social media his appointments for division directors on Monday:

• Ethel Branch is coming back to serve again as

attorney general,

• Micheal Anderson is the division director for the

Department of Public Safety,

• Tony Skrelunas, former head of commerce for

the Navajo Nation, will lead the Division of Economic Development,

• Justin Ahasteen is the executive director for the

Navajo Nation Washington Office

• and Kimberly Yazzie will head the Navajo Department of Health.

“We have chosen a team of executive directors

that will carry out the fullest vision of building a

more resilient and independent Navajo Nation,”

Nygren said in a press release. “I have also committed my support for their immense wealth of institutional knowledge that will allow us to hit the ground

running. This is the team that will lead us forward

as a Nation.”

Hopi Tutuveni August 17, 2022

Weatherization

Assistance program

No-cost, energy-efficient

home improvements

APS customers who own a home on Navajo or Hopi tribal land may be eligible for no-cost,

energy-efficient home improvements that could help lower your energy bill, including:

• Air sealing

• Improved insulation

• Heating, cooling and air quality

The energy-efficient improvements are made through Red Feather Development Group.

To learn more and see if you qualify, call Red Feather at 928-440-5119.

More ways to save on your energy bill

Our Energy Support program offers qualified customers a 25%

discount on their energy bill every month. To see if you qualify

and find other assistance resources, visit aps.com/assistance.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.