The 24TH NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL
Office of the Speaker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2020

Happy Mother’s Day from the Navajo Nation Council

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — “On behalf of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, I extend a sincere ‘Thank you’ to our mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and even our great-great grandmothers for your care and guidance,” said Speaker Seth Damon. “On this Mother’s Day, we are all asked to stay home and to follow the CDC’s guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. We still recognize and honor our mothers for their strength during this critical time.”

Speaker Damon also pointed out that May is National Foster Care Month in the United States. The month recognizes the efforts of households across the country that choose to foster children, and in many cases, provide a parental function to the life of a child.

“Throughout the history of the Diné people, we have mothers who have fostered many children. Today, we also recognize them for taking in our most precious children. But it’s not just our mothers that we recognize, it’s all those that play multiple roles in the lives of Navajo children everywhere.”

During the current COVID-19 public health emergency, the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee continues to advocate for direct services for Navajo families. This includes ensuring shelters and response centers, which are considered essential organizations, are not overlooked. The organizations provide needed support at a time when all are asked to stay home.

“I was once asked by my 4-year-old son, ‘What is a mom?’ I said to my son, ‘A mom is someone who teaches love, encourages young people like you to be the best they can be, and above all else, sacrifices their own wants and needs for their children.’ My son then said, ‘So anyone can be a mom?’ My response, ‘Yes.’ Today, we see single fathers, uncles, grandparents and other relatives who are moms. They are also aunts, nalis and even siblings. I want to say that I am grateful to have so many moms, including my own mother, who has inspired me, taught me, loved me, and been there for me,” said Council Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton.

The 24th Navajo Nation Council has been actively involved in raising awareness for the treatment of women and children. Council Delegates Amber Kanazbah Crotty, Eugenia Charles-Newton, who are both mothers, and Charlaine Tso have provided federal testimony to push for rights and protections for Indigenous women and children.

Delegate Charles-Newton continued, “Happy Mother’s Day to all the people who continue to inspire and shape our children to be the best human they can be.”

“From our mothers in Leupp to across the Nation in Shiprock and everywhere in between and beyond our four sacred mountains, we thank you for being the life-force and strength of the Diné People,” said Speaker Damon.

Speaker Damon also reminded mothers that their input was being sought, along with all members of the Navajo public, on Legislation No. 0115-20, which lays the foundation for the allocation of more than $600 million in federal CARES Act funding. Public comments can be submitted through email to comments@navajo-nsn.gov or mailed to: Executive Director, Office of Legislative Services, P.O. Box 3390, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

Comments must include: Your name, title or position (if commenting as part of an organization or entity), mailing address (for written comments) or valid email address (for emailed comments). Anonymous comments will not be included in the legislation packet. Comments on social media posts are not considered as part of the legislative process unless submitted through these methods.

“We need the voices of our mothers, parents and People of our Nation’s future to be involved in the work of the Navajo Nation Council,” said Speaker Damon.

Navajo Nation Council: http://www.navajonationcouncil.org