Corrina Thinn, former Navajo Nation Police Officer, in uniform and on-duty. Photo provided by family

The 24TH NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL
Office of the Speaker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2020

Navajo Nation Council express condolences on passing of sisters who served in nation’s public safety, health fields

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — “Our hearts are with the families of Corrina and Cheryl Thinn,” said Speaker Seth Damon. “Both sisters served the Navajo Nation on the front-lines for the health and safety of our communities. On behalf of the Navajo Nation Council, I extend my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Corrina and Cheryl, each taken by the coronavirus.”

The Office of the Speaker was notified Thursday of the passing of both Corrina and Cheryl Thinn by members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The sisters passed away in the month of April after battling the coronavirus.

Corrina Thinn served in the Navajo Nation Police Department for 11 years starting in 1999. She served with the Tuba City District until 2010 as a Senior Navajo Police Department Officer. Corinna obtained her master’s degree in social work and went on to work for Kayenta Health Center, Dzil Na’oodiłii Health Center, Davita Dialysis, the Hopi Health Center and the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services, in addition to working for various tribes throughout the state. She was also a Licensed Master of Social Work at the Tuba City Regional Health Care Center.

Corrina is survived by two sons, a grandson and a granddaughter.

“As Ni’hookáá’ Bíla’ashdla’ii Diyin Dine’é, we look to our heroes for the guidance and teachings — Dinéjí na’nitin — to lead lives of courage and purpose. Corrina and Cheryl Thinn are our heroes that have given their lives in the course of duty. We thank them and pray that their service and memory lives on through us,” stated Council Delegate Otto Tso.

Cheryl Thinn and her son. Photo provided by family

Cheryl Thinn served as a Navajo Nation Juvenile Detention Officer and Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Service member. She also worked for the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation. Cheryl left earlier in April, only a short period before her sister, Corrina.

Cheryl is survived by her son. His father also passed away in Jan. 2020.

“In the spirit of k’é, I call on all our relatives to honor Cheryl and Corrina for their service to the Navajo Nation and extend support to their families. They chose public service to protect and assist our families who were in critical need. Many of our heroes on the Navajo Nation are social workers and those who work on the frontlines as police or corrections officers. Their legacy will never be forgotten, and today we honor Cheryl and Corrina,” stated Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty.

Donations to assist the family with funerary arrangements can be made at the following website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1zslem4f00.