President Ben Shelly Calls for Unity in State of the Navajo Nation

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

"Keep Our Commitment"

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly called for the Navajo leaders to set aside differences and work together.

The President called for unity during his State of the Navajo Nation address Monday.

"As leaders let's honor and respect each other. We can debate issues and disagree. We’ll always face opposition, but we must work for the betterment of the people and the Nation,"

President Shelly said as he closed his speech.

"I propose a Legislative and Executive Branch Summit to discuss growth, and how we can make government more responsive in meeting the needs of the people,"

the President said.

President Shelly delivered his speech in English and in Navajo, which began shortly after the 22nd Navajo Nation Council approved the winter session agenda.

After his speech, the President faced multiple rounds of questions from Council Delegates regarding several issues from chapter funding to the status of Navajo Head Start.

Though the President answered all the questions asked by the Council Delegates, the President extended an open invitation to the Delegates for future meetings.

"My door is open,"

President Shelly proclaimed.

President Shelly also announced that he would have a series of town hall meetings in the Utah area to discuss the Navajo Utah Trust Fund and to gain insight into what the Utah Navajo wants from the fund.

"I want my marching orders to come from them,"

he said.

The meetings are scheduled to start in February.

President Shelly also announced a new policy that he plans to unveil during the Navajo Nation Council's Spring Session.

The President plans to bring forth the Navajo Nation Energy Policy, which would create an Energy Office within the Navajo Nation.

The office would regulate renewable and nonrenewable energy development and distribution.

"We are the first sovereign nation with a developed Energy Policy, which will reflect today's technologies,"

President Shelly said.

Also, the President announced a working solution that was recently put in place to create a safer environment for residents and travelers along Hwy 550 in northwest New Mexico.

The Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico and San Juan County Sheriff's Office agreed to increase patrols and provide personnel for the Dzil-Nao-Dithle Police Substation.

President Shelly also spoke about the opening of the Northern Edge Casino in Upper Fruitland.

"This business venture brought 374 new jobs to the Four Corners region,"

the President stated.

The President added the Twin Arrows Casino and Resort is scheduled to open in 2013. Twin Arrows is near Flagstaff and would be the Navajo Nation's fourth gaming enterprise.

President Shelly also reminded the Council of a shared vision of unity when the President gave his inaugural State of the Navajo Nation address.

"It's important that we keep our commitment to the work ahead and where we all want to be, a strong, confident nation,"

the President said.

posted January 25, 2012 7:57 am est