WINDOW ROCK, AZ – Navajo Nation leaders and veterans joined together for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Navajo Warriors Home in Chinle, AZ, which will be the very first nursing home on the Navajo Nation dedicated for Navajo veterans.
“Today is a great day to honor and recognize our Diné warriors and the milestones they continue to achieve,” said Navajo Nation President Nez. “Indigenous people have the highest per capita rate of military service among all demographics in the country. Most importantly, our Navajo Code Talkers helped win World War II using our sacred language. We have a long proud history of military service. With the groundbreaking, our Nation is prioritizing the care of our veterans so that they no longer have to seek nursing home services off the nation. Our warriors deserve these types of care services closer to home so they can be near their loved ones within our sacred mountains. We are very thankful for the service and sacrifices of our veterans and we thank all past and present leaders who advocated for this initiative for many years.”
In May, President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer approved legislation to appropriate $29 million to construct and operate a 60-bed nursing home for Navajo veterans. The nursing home will be located on the campus of the Dr. Guy Gorman Sr. Care Home Nursing Home.
“Not only will our warriors be able to stay closer to home, but the nursing home will also provide economic opportunities for those who want to build a career on the Navajo Nation,” added President Nez. “Our priority is to continue to build a strong foundation for future generations. The Navajo Warriors Home is an outstanding example of what we can accomplish when we work together and support each other.”
Navajoland Nursing Homes will oversee the construction and operation of the Navajo Warriors Home nursing home facility in the community of Chinle, AZ.
