Diné Community Members Express Concerns on the Proposal to Reform the Navajo Nation Government Advocated by the Office of Navajo Government Development

Diné Community Members Express Concerns on the Proposal to Reform the Navajo Nation Government Advocated by the Office of Navajo Government Development  

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – As Diné community members, we express great concern with the proposed reforms to the Navajo Nation government contained within the Office of Navajo Government Development (ONGD) document entitled, “Diyiin Nahookáá Diné’é Bi Beehaz’áanii Bitsi Siléí Collective Will.” Various sections are contrary to the best interests of the Navajo Nation; and do not align with contemporary indigenous human rights norms and standards, including but not limited to those found within the Diné Fundamental Law, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).  

On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a coalition of Diné grassroots community members held a press conference at the steps of the Navajo Nation Council during the Winter Session in Window Rock, AZ. During this press conference, three coalition members shared a statement for the virtual and in-person audience regarding the 2026 Navajo Nation’s Government Reform efforts.  

Wendy Atcitty, an Eastern Diné community member, expressed concerns about how this proposal would impact Diné lands. “This proposal misappropriates sacred Diné concepts and terminologies,” said Ms. Atcitty. “To facilitate land alienation, corporate manipulation, commodification of Mother Earth.” 

Land and water control for the local Navajo governments were the key concerns for Joey Tsosie, a community organizer with the Indian Country Grassroots Support organization. “It severs local government from central support,” said Mr. Tsosie. “And denies them control over the very land and water resources they need to serve the public.” 

Lastly, Dr. Michelle Cook, an impacted Diné community member, provided a brief explanation of the Investor Bill of Rights found in the ONDG’s government reform proposal. “With this document is also a section called the Investor Bill of Rights,” cited Dr. Cook. “Which gives corporations and investors overbroad access to our infrastructure, our water, and our energy, without limitations.”

Our Diné ancestors gave us a sacred and balanced way to guide our relationships and our communities with Traditional Law. This foundation reflects hózhǫ́ (harmony) and k’é (respectful relationship), which continue to guide the Navajo people today. This year, a new government model – based on Western systems – is being proposed to replace our traditional governance. The proposal is very long, contains unclear and misleading language about Traditional Law, and has not been widely distributed or discussed with the Navajo people. Decisions about how we govern ourselves must be made through open dialogue, community participation, and respect for our traditional values. True reform begins with the voice of the people, not with a document few have seen or understand. We call for a process that honors our ancestral governance and includes all Navajo who wish to speak, share, and decide together. 

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Diné Grassroots Coalition is a coalition comprised of Diné (Navajo) community members concerned about the state of the Navajo Nation and the proposed 2026 Navajo Nation Government Reform.  

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Community Objection Documents:

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Facebook Livestreamed Recordings:

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