Debbie Berkowitz

PRESIDENT NYGREN ENDORSES HARRIS-WALZ TICKET Yá’atééh … Election Day is here! We need to ensure our voices are heard and our votes are counted tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5th. I want to share why I’m supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz—leaders who respect our culture and are committed to building a brighter future for all Native Nations. Vice President Harris, alongside President Biden, has achieved historic milestones for Tribal communities. Through the American Rescue Plan, we received $2 billion for essential resources—funds that have helped with infrastructure, housing, clean water, and high-speed internet across the Navajo Nation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law added $13 billion for Tribal communities, including $123 million specifically for the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project. The Biden-Harris administration has made public safety a priority, establishing the “Not Invisible Act Commission” to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Through the Violence Against Women Act, our jurisdiction over certain crimes on Tribal lands has expanded, providing better protections for our families. Also, Executive Order 14112 has reformed federal funding to prioritize Tribal decision-making, empowering our communities to shape our future. In healthcare, the Biden-Harris administration secured the first-ever advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service, with $8 billion planned for FY2025. This commitment ensures continuity in healthcare for our people—a promise finally fulfilled. Governor Walz has also championed Native communities in his own state and across the nation. As governor, he became the first to visit all 11 Tribal nations in Minnesota, establishing government-to-government relations and codifying Tribal consultation into law. He’s a proven ally who listens and respects our voices. He has prioritized public safety by establishing the first state-level office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, ensuring justice and protection for Native communities. And under his administration, Minnesota invested in preserving Native languages, strengthening cultural preservation and education for future generations—a commitment he will bring to the national stage. This is why I, as President of the Navajo Nation, and my wife, our First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren – former Arizona State Representative and an attorney – support the Harris/ Walz ticket. I believe they will help us reclaim our traditions, protect our sovereignty, and honor the sacrifices of our ancestors. Navajo Nation, let us make our voices heard this Tuesday, November 5th. Under Kamala Harris & Tim Walz, every Native American person will matter equally. Together as one nation, President Kamala Harris and Vice-President Walz will be thinking for the future of the Navajo Nation. #ElectionDay2024 #NavajoNation #BuuNygren #DinéVote #OurVoiceOurFuture #ThinkForTheFuture