Government Cannot Solve All Our Problems Declares Navajo Nation President

by Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - “Government cannot solve all our problems; it can only help create a better quality of life,” declared President Ben Shelly in the State of the Nation Address to the 22nd Navajo Nation Council at the Council’s Chambers on Monday.

President Ben Shelly

“Our role is to help create a more business friendly environment. It is not a Government’s business to run businesses,”

continued President Shelly.

President Shelly, who is serving his first term as president of the Navajo Nation, won election last November after he campaigned to bring economic development and stability to the Navajo Nation.

He pledged in his speech to have a transparent government by improving technology. He cited a $32 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by the US Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunity Program.

In plans to create more economic development on the Navajo Nation, President Shelly said his administration “have reached out the nations of Japan and China. There is potential there as Asian countries build high-tech railways, airplanes, and have become the new economy of the world. The leaders of these countries are interested in the prospect of a Navajo Nation economic relationship.”

“All across the Nation, there is hope,”

President Shelly told the packed chamber. He said in his interaction with Navajo Nation citizens, they want more direct involvement of the people. To that end, he said he is committed to restructuring the Executive Brand and work with Navajo Nation’s Council.