Navajo Nation’s Nygren Hosts HHS Secretary RFK Jr. in Historic Visit

By Matthew Holloway |

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — President Buu Nygren of the Navajo Nation convened a meeting on Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Council Delegate Germaine Simonson. The discussion focused on improving healthcare access on tribal lands, a growing concern for the community.

A press release shared via X highlighted that the talks emphasized “solutions rooted in sovereignty, tradition, and self-reliance.” This approach aligns with the ongoing struggles the Navajo Nation faces in its healthcare delivery systems.

Kennedy, engaged in his “Make America Healthy Again” nationwide tour, had previously met with Arizona state legislators before arriving at the Navajo Nation. His itinerary included discussions with various tribal leaders, including Speaker Crystalyne Curley and officials from the Navajo Department of Health.

During the meeting, President Nygren pointed out that the Indian Health Services (IHS) is grappling with a 30% manpower shortage, underscoring how this deficit strains the healthcare system. He asserted that any solutions developed must respect the tribe’s sovereignty. “As President, I want to emphasize the importance of protecting and maintaining tribal sovereignty among food and healthcare for the Navajo Nation,” Nygren said.

In response, Secretary Kennedy promised to advocate for changes that support tribal concerns, including lifting the IHS hiring freeze. He stated, “By lifting the IHS hiring freeze and rescinding the hundreds of employee terminations, it will not happen.” Kennedy also stressed the importance of securing water rights for the Navajo people to enhance self-sufficiency.

Following the formal discussions, Kennedy reflected positively on his visit, describing it as a significant engagement with the Navajo Nation. He joined President Nygren and council members for a hike, traditional blessings, and performances by the Diné Tah Dancers. “We discussed Navajo Nation’s efforts to promote health and wellness within their community and how HHS can support these goals,” Kennedy reported.

Nygren, elected in 2022, emphasized the necessity of bipartisan collaboration with federal authorities. He stated, “I need our Navajo people to understand that no matter what our political party affiliation is, we must work with the federal administration – whoever is in office – to fight poverty on the Navajo Nation and to protect our interests.” His remarks highlight a focused approach on pressing issues like coal industry regulations, water rights settlements, and the protection of essential social programs.

The political landscape for the Navajo Nation typically leans Democratic; however, recent polling indicates a notable shift in voter sentiment toward the Trump administration among Native Americans. According to exit polling from 2024, President Trump secured approximately 51% of the Native American vote in the last presidential election.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.