NAZLINI, AZ – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was recently joined by 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Kee Allen Begay, Jr., community members, Nazlini Chapter President Lee Bigwater, and chapter staff as he finalized a grant agreement between the Navajo Nation, Navajo Nation Division of Community Development, Capital Projects Management Department, and the Nazlini Chapter to construct a new senior center in Nazlini, AZ.
“The approval of the agreement inspires renewed hope and vision within the communities and our precious elders,” said President Nez. “Today, we celebrate a milestone for the community of Nazlini. This new senior center will not only provide services, but it will also be a place of healing, unity, and connection. We were taught to take care of our parents, grandparents, and elders, and those are the teachings we must pass on to our young people. I congratulate the community of Nazlini for working together to develop improvements for their people. This initiative took many years of hard work and perseverance to be where we are today.”
The former senior center was ordered to close due to deficiencies in the structure of the facility. The new 3,915 sq. ft. senior center will provide a cafeteria, kitchen, office space for staff, and a paved parking lot with ADA handicapped accessibility.
“The prayers of the Nazlini community have finally been answered,” said Council Delegate Begay. “Ahee’hee’, President Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer, and the 23rd Navajo Nation Council for supporting and approving the long-awaited senior center replacement. Our senior center staff can now operate from comfortable offices and provide comfort and services for our elders. We are forever grateful.”
The project is funded through the Síhasin Fund at a cost of approximately $1.9 million. The senior center will provide direct services to Nazlini and other surrounding community elders.
“Not only does this project symbolize hope, but it exemplifies the resiliency of our Navajo people,” said President Nez. “During a worldwide pandemic and public health emergency, we have local leaders who continue to move our communities forward and inspire hope for future generations. Thank you to the past leaders for their support and approval of the project in 2018.”