Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission

NNHRC's clients reveal one critical communication staple
SAINT MICHAELS, Navajo Nation--The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission learned
from their clients about the importance of one communication staple-the public
payphone.
Public payphones still play a critical role in contacting the police and EMT services.

On Friday, August 10, 2012, NNHRC staff members met with the Interim District
Attorney Thomas Tapia and the Victim Advocate Sharon Valdez of the 13th Judicial
District Attorney's office, clients and their families to update everyone
collectively about their ongoing case, asserting their rights, and about the court
system in general at the Baca-Prewitt Chapter House in Prewitt, Navajo Nation
(N.M.).

"While the Navajo victims were assured that there is progress in their cases,
information provided by the District Attorney's office also indicate significant
protection of the defendants' rights," said NNHRC Executive Director in an
interview. "Often times it appears to Navajo victims that the perpetrators have more
protection than they do."
Gorman explained that part of this understanding of the American judicial system is
the often anticipated outcome of a trail where a Navajo is the victim would entirely
lose faith in the judicial system by filling the system with continuances.

Tapia shared how competitive the court system is. He explained that being proactive
builds a stronger case in the competitive system.

In this case, proactive means taking ownership of issues that are raised.

A self-defeating cycle
"The other factor that the defendants rely on is the condition of the victims," said
Gorman. He continued and said, "These conditions often are the state of being unable
to productively contribute to the trial. The adage to the competitive and often
vicious cycle is the fact that when the defendants pled insanity they go through a
prolonged evaluation."

In this case, the perpetrator, Shawn Longoria, pled insanity and was evaluated over
a period of one year, causing the Navajo victims to increasingly question the
American judicial system.

Further, Tapia noted that as time passes, people who work in the court system are
likely to advance or move on in their careers, leaving victims with new and
unfamiliar case workers. Tapia also explained the non stop process of his extremely
busy office where a great majority of the cases relate to drugs and alcohol. He
reported a 90 percent conviction rate of cases which run the full procedural gamut
but that only 50 percent of cases actually do so.

NNHRC wants to ensure these victims' cases are not in jeopardy for failing to run
the full course of court procedures.

Each rescheduled hearing sends victims to return to their lives and in some cases
beaten again allegedly.

After the completion of presentations, a question and answer sessions opened.
"Where are the police?" One client, who attended the meeting, said, "Two of the
accused people who attacked us are involved in a homicide." In attempt to raise a
point, he questioned where the police were when needed and said, "When you don't
need them they're there."

The client explained how one person who lives on the street was cut by someone. A
police officer was not around he explained.

Tapia explained when incidents aren't reported to law enforcement, an investigation
cannot be conducted.

The client fired back and said, "There are no payphones in Grants. You have to have
a cell phone."

He doesn't have a cell phone.

Asserting rights
Another client changed the tone of the meeting and asked if a case goes to trial,
would they need to testify.

"Absolutely," said Tapia.

In response, the client said, "Where does our protection stand when we testify?"

Sharon Valdez explained to him to call the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission and
her office.

The client who was concerned about his protection listened.

"I know that doesn't make you feel safe," said Valdez. "I know it's scary and I'm
not on the streets to protect you."

"We can't force you to testify. But we encourage you to," said Valdez.

After learning that all questions had been answered, Tapia said, "You call anytime.
I respect you greatly."

Without a way for victims to call law enforcement is a concern for the Navajo Nation
Human Rights Commission.

To break this questioning session, family members pled for their family members to
sober up. In their pleas, they explained who is solely responsible, the victims
themselves.
In response, the client asking about his protection said, "I want to remind you that
even because they are drinking, they have rights."

Rights they have, asserts the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission.

What the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission significantly depends on is the roles
of family members. From a Navajo traditional perspective, family is a unit that
defies the desperate conditions the Navajo victims face in a border town. It is
within the Navajo family that the core traditional values of K'é and hozhoojí are
taught and nurtured with discipline.

NNHRC role
Valdez said, "I want to thank the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission for keeping
in contact with the victims." She continued and said to those who were present,
"They have been instrumental in keeping you updated with hearing dates. It is
unheard of to have this many victims and have current contact information."

NNHRC Investigator Varvara Phillips said, "We have a high volume of cases, too, and
it is important to be proactive in your case."

NNHRC with the MOU in place will address how to improve safety measures to City
officials including payphones or call boxes similar to ones on university campuses
across the nation in high crime related areas.

In the meantime, NNHRC urges family members to encourage victims to report incidents
to the police to help build their case. When a call is made to 911, remember to ask
for the dispatcher's name, write the time the call was made, and write how long it
takes for law enforcement to arrive for your documentation. Build a record.

Also, if citizens see any harm against anyone, report the incident to the police.

NNHRC sends their appreciation to the Baca-Prewitt Chapter staff members for their
assistance in hosting the meeting.

###




Rachelle Todea, Public Information Officer
Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission
P.O. Box 1689
Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ)  86515

AUG 30 - 7th Annual Parent Conferenc Registration Flyer, Window Rock AZ

http://www.obs.navajo-nsn.gov/

Through Early Literacy
Please join us for the 7th Annual Navajo Nation Parent Conference to be held at Navajo Nation
Museum in Window Rock, Arizona. Learn about early diagnosis, early development and early
literacy supports and services available to children with developmental delays on the Navajo
Nation.
WHERE:
Navajo Nation Museum
Window Rock, AZ
WHEN:
Thursday, August 30, 2012
8:00AM–4:00 PM
(Registration begins at 7:30 AM)
WHO IS INVITED:
Parents, teachers, professional, educational leaders, and others serving children with disabilities on the Navajo
Nation are invited to attend this year’s annual conference.
COST:
NO COST – Lunch is provided free of charge for registered participants.
REGISTRATION:
Fill out the registration form provided below and fax to (505) 786-2261. If you do not have access to a fax machine or
would just like more information, contact Rose Mary Silversmith at Navajo Nation Growing in Beauty Office in
Crownpoint, NM at (505) 786-2413 or Paula Seanez at our toll free number (866) 341-9918 in Window Rock, Az
or fax to (928) 871-7865. If you need special accommodations, please register by August 17, 2012. We will also do
on-site registration on August 30th.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Parent Conference Registration Form
Name: ____________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________ City/State/Zip: _____________________________________
Phone: ______________________ Fax: __________________ E-mail address: ____________________________________
Please check one: _____parent _____teacher _____educational leader ____ Other (Specify) __________________________
Would you like to be on the mailing list for future parent conferences? Yes No
Do you have any special needs or accommodations? Please check the following that applies:
___ Sign Language Interpreter ___Navajo Translation ___Braille ___Large Print ___

West Nile virus kills N.M. horses

West Nile virus kills N.M. horses

 At least seven West Nile cases confirmed in state HOBBS, N.M. (KRQE) - The deadly
west Nile outbreak is now here in New Mexico, and while humans have been infected,
only horses have died.

To access this story, copy and paste this url in your browser:
www.krqe.com/dpp/news/health/west-nile-virus-kills-nm-horses

AUG 22 thru 24 - "Navajo Nation Building Summit-Investing In Our Future" Agenda, Tsaile AZ

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012
8:00 -9:00 AM
Registration & Continental Breakfast (DINEʼ COLLEGE DINING ROOM)
Dine College, Sponsor
9:00 AM: (TENT]
Invocation: The Honorable Nelson BeGaye, Council Delegate, Tsaile Chapter
Welcome: Fannie Atcitty, President, Dine' College Board of Regents
9:05 - 9:15 AM: Welcome: Fannie Atcitty, President, Dine' College Board of Regents
9:15 - 9:30 AM
Opening Remarks: The Honorable Katherine Benally, Chair, Resources and Development Committee,
Navajo Nation Council Dennehotso, Chilchinbeto & Kayenta Chapters
9:30 – 9:45 AM
Executive Branch Opening Remarks: The Honorable Ben Shelly, President, The Navajo Nation
9:45- 10:00 AM
Arbin Mitchell, Division Director, Division of Community Development,
“Infrastructure on the Navajo Nation: The Capital Improvement Plan and ICIP Chapter Priorities”
10:00 -10:30 AM
The Honorable LoRenzo Bates, Chair, Budget and Finance Committee, Navajo Nation Council, T'iistoh
Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fruitland, Tse' Daa' Kaan, Newcomb, San Juan “Permanent Trust Fund-
History, Fund Balance and Use of Income and Principal”
10:30 - 10:45 AM
Raymond Nopah, Chief Financial Officer & Department Director, Economic Development
“Bond Financing Economic Development
11:15 - 12:00 PM
Moderators, Breakout Session Procedure
Brian Cole, President, Building Communities, Inc., Raymond Nopah, Asa Begaye
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DINE COLLEGE,
NATIVE BROADCAST ENTERPRISE
HOSTS
NATION BUILDING SUMMIT
“INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE”
DINEʼ COLLEGE, TSAILE, AZ.
AUGUST 22-24, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
12:00 – 1:00 PM (TENT)
LUNCHEON
Invocation
Speaker: The Honorable Leonard Tsosie, Council Delegate, Littlewater, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon,
Whitehorse Lake, Baca/Brewitt, Casamero Lake, Ojo Encino, Counselor. “The obligation of the Federal,
State & Tribal Government”
Speaker: Wes Medford, President, Lorica Equity Partners “A Path to Financial Sovereignty, a model for
Developing a People’s Bank”
1:00 - 4:00 PM: BREAKOUT WORK SESSIONS (Tent)
4:00 – 5:00 PM:
Work Session Break Out Group Moderator process:
Brian Cole, Raymond Nopah, Moderator
The Honorable Katherine Benally, Chair, Resources and Development Committee,
Navajo Nation Council
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DINE COLLEGE,
NATIVE BROADCAST ENTERPRISE
HOSTS
NATION BUILDING SUMMIT
“INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE”
DINEʼ COLLEGE, TSAILE, AZ.
AUGUST 22-24, 2012
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012
8:00-9:00 AM
REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (DINEʼ COLLEGE DINING ROOM)
Dine College, Sponsor
9:00 - 9:05 Invocation: Zane James, President, Wheatfields-Tsaile Chapters
9:05 - 9:20 AM
Welcome: The Honorable Roscoe Smith, Vice Chair, Resources & Development Committee, Navajo
Nation Council, Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill
9:20 - 9:30 AM:
Speaker: Bernadette Tsosie, Deputy Director, Navajo Area Trust Responsibility
9:30 - 9:45 AM:
Speaker: The Honorable Speaker, Johnny Naize, Navajo Nation Council Tachee/Blue Gap, Many
Farms, Nazlini, Tselani/Cottonwood, Low Mountain
9:45 - 10:05 AM
Keynote Speaker: Manley Begay, Associate Social Scientist/Senior Lecturer American Indian Studies
Program, Co-Director, Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, Member of the
Permanent Trust Fund Board
10:05 -12:00 AM Moderators- Explanation of Break out Work Session update Brian Cole, Raymond
Nopah, Asa Begaye
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DINE COLLEGE,
NATIVE BROADCAST ENTERPRISE
HOSTS
NATION BUILDING SUMMIT
“INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE”
DINEʼ COLLEGE, TSAILE, AZ.
AUGUST 22-24, 2012
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012
12:00 AM: LUNCH (TENT)
Invocation
12:05 - 12:15 PM:
Youth Speaker: Janene Yazzie, “Youth Play a Vital Role in Nation Building”
12:15 -12:30 AM:
Speaker: Kimberly Silentman-Kanuho, Tribal Planner, Swaback Architects “Community Planning”
12:30- 12:40 PM:
Speaker: The Honorable Frank Dayish Jr., Vice President, 2003-2006
12:40 - 12:50 PM:
Speaker: The Honorable Milton Bluehouse, Navajo Nation President, 1998
1:00 - 4:00 PM: BREAKOUT WORK SESSIONS
6:00-8:00 PM BANQUET
6: 00 -6:15 PM:
Invocation
Welcome: Dr. Maggie George, President, Dine College
6:15 - 6:45PM
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Peterson Zah, Navajo Nation Chairman, 1983-1987; President,
1991-1994
6:45-7:15 PM
Guest Speaker: The Honorable Peter Macdonald, Former Chairman, Navajo Nation,
“What goes into Nation Building – “It Starts with the Community”
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DINE COLLEGE,
NATIVE BROADCAST ENTERPRISE
HOSTS
NATION BUILDING SUMMIT
“INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE”
DINEʼ COLLEGE, TSAILE, AZ.
AUGUST 22-24, 2012
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012
8:30 – 9:00 AM
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (DINEʼ COLLEGE DINING ROOM)
Dine College, Sponsor
9:00-9:30 AM
Invocation
Proposed Legislation: The Honorable Katherine Benally, Chair,
Resources and Development Committee, Navajo Nation Council
9:30 -12:00
Summary of Nation Building Summit
Moderators: Raymond Nopah, Asa Begaye
Summary by 15 Group Facilitator Presentations
12:00 noon – 1:00 (TENT)
LUNCHEON
Invocation
The Honorable former Presidents & Vice President of the Navajo Nation:
Frank Dayish Jr., Vice President, 2003-2006
Joe Shirley Jr: President, 2003-2010
Kelsey Begay, President, 1998-2002
Milton Bluehouse, President, 1998
Albert Hale, President, 1994-1998
Leonard Haskie, Chairman, 1989-1991
Peterson Zah: Chairman, 1983-1987. President, 1991-1994
Peter Macdonald: Chairman, 1971-1982, 1987-1988
4:00 – 4:15
Closing Statement: The Honorable Katherine Benally, Chair, Resources & Development Committee
Navajo Nation Council
BENEDICTION
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DINE COLLEGE,
NATIVE BROADCAST ENTERPRISE
HOSTS
NATION BUILDING SUMMIT
“INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE”
DINEʼ COLLEGE, TSAILE, AZ.
AUGUST 22-24, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 & Thursday, August 23, 2012
Break out Work Sessions
GROUP 1- BANKING:" (Banking on Wednesday only)" " Room: LSCA 2nd Flr.
Facilitator: Wes Medford
GROUP 2 - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & BUILDING FACILITIES: " Room:GCB 101
“What priorities will enable each Chapter to reach their Community Development Goals?”
Facilitator: Carmelia Blackwater
GROUP 3: EDUCATION : " " " " " " " " " Room:GCB 103
“What priorities need to be addressed as we seek excellence in Education”
Facilitator: Joann Armenta, Purpose Focused Education
GROUP 4: ELDERLY: " " " " " " " " " Room:GCB 106
“What are the basic necessities needed to address the Elderly?”
Facilitator: Grace Laurence, Owner, Home Care Options
GROUP 5: ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES: " " " Room:GCB 107
“Capturing Nation Building through Sustainable and Renewable Resources in our Communities”
Facilitator: Nicole Horseherder
GROUP 6: HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES: " " " " " Room:GCB 109
“What priorities are lacking in our Health & Social Services that can be addressed with a percentage of
the Permanent Trust Funds”
Facilitator: Robert Nakai, Division Director of Community Health Services for United Indian Health
Services, Arcata, California
GROUP 7: HOUSING: " " " " " " " " " Room:GCB 110
“How can we successfully address the Housing needs within our communities?”
Facilitator: Leonard Anthony, Board of Commissioners, Navajo Housing Authority
GROUP 8: INFRASTRUCTURE : " " " " " " " Room: LCR
“Building Communities through a Long Range Capital Improvement Plan and Process”
Facilitator: Asa Begaye, Wiliam Holmes Begaye, Inc.
GROUP 9: PUBLIC SAFETY: " " " " " " " " Room:GCB 112
“How much will it take to provide for the immediate needs in Public Safety?”
Facilitator: Hope Macdonald Lonetree, Tribal Relations Advisor, U.S. Attorneyʼs office, District of Arizona
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DINE COLLEGE,
NATIVE BROADCAST ENTERPRISE
HOSTS
NATION BUILDING SUMMIT
“INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE”
DINEʼ COLLEGE, TSAILE, AZ.
AUGUST 22-24, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 & Thursday, August 23, 2012
Break out Work Sessions
GROUP 10: TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES: " " " Room:GCB 114
“Identifying Infrastructure for Connectivity throughout our Communities”
Facilitator: Elsa Johnson, Development Consultant
GROUP 11: TRANSPORTATION: " " " " " " " Room:GCB 117
“Reviewing and prioritizing the Long Range Transportation Needs”
Facilitator: Martha Ellison, Resource & Development Committee, NN
Group 12: VETERANS : " " " " " " " " " Room:GCB 118
“What priorities will enable our Veterans to address their specific needs”
Veterans Facilitator: Frank C.Yazzie, Dennehotso Chapter
GROUP 13: WOMEN: " " " " " " " " " Room: GCB 100
“How do we address and prioritize the needs of the Women?”
Facilitator: Gloria Jean Todacheene, San Juan County Commissioner
GROUP 14: WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT : " " " " " Room:GCB 120
“How can we prepare to compete effectively in the World with a 50% Navajo unemployment in the Work
Force?”
Facilitator: Harold Wauneka, former Navajo Nation Council Delegate
GROUP 15: YOUTH: " " " " " " " " " " ROOM:GCB 121
“What priorities will enable the Youth to prepare for the Future?”
Facilitators: Janene Yazzie, CEO, Sixth World
4:00 – 5:00 (Tent)
WRAP-UP SESSION, SUMMARY BY FACILITATORS OF EACH GROUP
Brian Cole, Moderator Break Out
Katherine Benally, Chair, Resource and Development Committee, NNC
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DINE COLLEGE,
NATIVE BROADCAST ENTERPRISE
HOSTS
NATION BUILDING SUMMIT
“INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE”
DINEʼ COLLEGE, TSAILE, AZ.
AUGUST 22-24, 2012

limiting carbon pollution from power plants

Hello! Did you hear that the first six months of 2012 were the hottest January-June
ever recorded in the lower 48 United States?* And climate scientists say this
summer's heat waves, the wildfires in Colorado and the drought that half the country
is suffering through are a glimpse of what we can expect from global warming.

This is what we were afraid of and is part of why I joined an historic number of
people to speak out in support of limiting carbon pollution from power plants. In
fact, 3 million people have spoken out. Amazing!

That is what the opposition is afraid
of.<http://www.webaction.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=6377>

But polluters are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to influence our
lawmakers, the elections and the public at large. They absolutely don't want anyone
to understand how much support there is for taking action on global warming.

And that is where I'm asking for a little help from my friends. Join with me in
supporting strong limits on carbon pollution from power
plants.<http://www.webaction.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=6377>

More than 3 million Americans have sent a message to the EPA that we want limits on
carbon pollution and we want them to address global warming. The power of this is
chilling to the polluter lobby because it is so impressive and because even if they
want to ignore climate scientists, they cannot ignore us.

We've known for decades that power plants are the largest source of the carbon
pollution fueling global warming, yet there haven't been any federal limits on the
amount of carbon those plants can spew into our air. It's time we fixed that.

It is going to be a big lift and I want to push well beyond the 3 million supporters
mark, so please join me to support strong limits on carbon pollution from power
plants<http://www.webaction.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=6377>. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Randall

*http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/national/2012/6

Randall Hoskie,
Rancid-Savage Productions

Gov. finds new spot to post salaries

Gov. finds new spot to post salaries

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Susana Martinez has begun posting the names and salaries
of classified state employees at a new online location after a judge ruled last
month that she remove the names from the online New Mexico Sunshine Portal.

To access this story, copy and paste this url in your browser:
www.krqe.com/dpp/news/politics/gov-finds-new-spot-to-post-salaries

Navajo Nation Office of Broadcast Services

Navajo Nation Office of Broadcast Services

Vision
Navajo Nation Office of Broadcast Services will inspire and empower the Navajo people through the sacred power of communication. We will be an essential and cultural resource, ensuring and disseminating factual information for the sake of knowledge and intelligence for the Navajo people.

Mission

To always provide public mass communication services to the people of the great Navajo Nation. Creating, producing and distributing culutally-aware programs and services that educate, inform and engage our audiences.

Purpose

The purpose of the Navajo Nation Office of Broadcast Services is to promote the expansion and strengthening of new and existing mass communication services to the Navajo People.

More info: http://www.obs.navajo-nsn.gov/