WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The 25th Navajo Nation Council will welcome Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to the capital of the Navajo Nation today during the opening day of the Summer Council Session. The visit marks the first time that a sitting Arizona governor has come before the Navajo Nation’s governing body during a Council session.
“On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, I am pleased to welcome Governor Hobbs to the Navajo Nation and the Summer Session,” said Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “As we come together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Navajo Nation Council, we are honored to have the Governor join us as we recognize our past leaders and the history of the Navajo people. We also have many issues that the Navajo Nation is working with the governor to address and this is an important opportunity to continue building our partnership.”
Leading to Monday’s opening ceremony, delegates from each Navajo Agency will honor the age-old tradition of trail riding to the Navajo Nation capital. Along the way, they will camp and listen to the concerns of their constituents, bringing their voices to the Summer Session.
The Office of the Speaker hosted a meal to welcome the riders on Sunday afternoon at the fairgrounds in Window Rock, AZ. On Monday, July 17, at 7:00 a.m., the riders will leave the fairground and make their way to the 25th Navajo Nation Council Chamber for the start of the Summer Session.
Also on Monday morning, Honorable Amber Crotty will join Darlene Peshlakai and family to lead an awareness walk against drunk driving on the Navajo Nation. Peshlakai lost her daughter to drunk driving 13 years ago in a tragic car crash. Annually, she hosts D.U.I. checkpoints and honor walks to bring awareness to the issue. The walk will also begin from the Window Rock fairgrounds at 7:00 a.m.
The Shiprock Veterans Organization will serve as the Color Guard for the opening day of the Summer Session and the Rough Rock Community School Students and Miss Navajo Valentina Clitso will provide the Pledge of Allegiance. Honorary Doctorate Louva Dahozy will provide the invocation.
Speaker Curley has welcomed the public to attend the opening day of the Summer Session in-person or to watch online. The Summer Session will be broadcast live on the Navajo Nation Council’s YouTube channel at @NavajoNationCouncil.