SANTA FE, New Mexico - Navajo Nation Vice President Frank Dayish, Jr. told legislators about the importance of water to the Navajo people and all Native Americans regarding the proposed Water Settlement Agreement and other issues such as healthcare, education, and diabetes. He joined several other Native American leaders on Tuesday in celebration of American Indian Day at the New Mexico State Legislature.

�Water is life to all Din� and Native American tribes throughout New Mexico. We want you to know the importance and sacredness of water, especially since recent issues with the Navajo Nation proposed Water Settlement Agreement. We want our voice to be heard in that regard, Dayish told the legislators, Indian leaders and guests.

�Agriculture, mining and manufacturing are areas we are working on to encourage more business development on Navajoland. We want take advantage of those opportunities that come our way, stated Dayish. �Also I want to mention a mining strike taking place right now in Fruitland, NM. We are hoping all parties involved come to a quick closure.�

We want our government to government relationship to grow,� said Dayish. �Education is a main priority and we will continue to forge forward with cultural sensitivity. We don�t want to leave anyone behind as we grow as a nation.�

Vice President also expressed the nation�s concern for healthcare needs, �Our administration is deeply concerned about healthcare. Throughout the United States, over 40 states are faced with budget deficits due to escalating healthcare costs, particularly with increased costs with Medicare programs and to help us take care of health for all New Mexicans, especially Native Americans.�

�Diabetes is a very serious problem with our Navajo people. My wife Virginia has been working extremely hard to address diabetes. She is working to help young people to understand this deadly disease at an early age. Her goal is to eliminate diabetes at a young level,� added Dayish.

In his closing remarks, Dayish thanked the legislators for listening to the Navajo Nation�s concerns and ambitions, �I am thankful for today�s meeting with the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and hearing our concerns regarding the proposed Water Settlement Agreement. I want to thank you honorable Senators, Representatives and Indian leaders for having us on American Indian Day.�

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

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