During a recent meeting in August 2023, it was brought to the attention of the Navajo Nation Council and the public that President Dr. Buu Nygren’s administration is practicing nepotism. Nepotism refers to favoritism based on kinship in job appointments. The Navajo Nation has policies in place to prevent the hiring of immediate relatives of current employees if there is a potential conflict of interest or adverse effects on supervision, security, or morale.
Concerned citizens have voiced their frustration over the apparent nepotism in President Dr. Nygren’s administration. They feel that promises of hiring qualified applicants were empty, and they did not vote for him to have his relatives or friends appointed to positions.
Aside from the issue of nepotism, the Navajo Nation has been facing challenges in delivering broadband internet to residents who lack access. Despite receiving millions of dollars in funding for telecommunications development, the focus of the Navajo Government has been on bureaucratic entities and divisions rather than investing in Navajo-owned infrastructure to benefit the people.
The plan to generate revenue from telecommunications involves applying heavy regulation fees and Right-of-Way costs to current and future developments on the Navajo Nation. However, these discussions have taken place without input from carriers, providers, or businesses already operating in the area. The potential result is that the cost of doing business and providing telecommunication services on the Navajo Nation will become unsustainable, discouraging further development and exacerbating the digital divide.
While the executive administration and its departments are pushing for telecommunication legislation, there is hope that the Navajo Nation council delegates will prioritize the welfare of the people and stop this plan. It is crucial for government entities, telecom carriers, providers, and businesses to work together to find solutions that benefit the Navajo people and bridge the digital divide.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to fight corruption in BIA and tribal programs affecting grazing permittees, agriculture land use permittees, and Indian allotees. The community is calling for administrative changes and improvements in the permit system. Concerned citizens have formed a review team to address corruption and held a meeting to discuss their concerns with BIA and tribal legislatures.
By standing up against corruption and pushing for transparency and fairness, the Navajo Nation hopes to revitalize their dignity and ensure a better future for all.