Navajo Nation’s President Nygren Enthusiastically Hosts HHS Secretary RFK Jr.

By Matthew Holloway |

The Navajo Nation’s Democratic President, Buu Nygren, held a crucial meeting with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Council Delegate Germaine Simonson in Window Rock on Wednesday. The focus was on enhancing healthcare access within tribal lands, emphasizing “solutions rooted in sovereignty, tradition, and self-reliance,” as outlined in a press release shared on X.

Kennedy’s visit is part of his nationwide “Make America Healthy Again” tour. Prior to this meeting, he interacted with members of the Arizona State Legislature and met with tribal leaders, including First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren and Speaker Crystalyne Curley, among others.

During the discussion, President Nygren highlighted the challenges facing the Navajo healthcare system, particularly a significant manpower shortage in the Indian Health Service, which currently has a 30% vacancy rate. Addressing this issue, he underscored the necessity of protecting tribal sovereignty in healthcare decisions. “As President, I want to emphasize the importance of protecting and maintaining tribal sovereignty among food and healthcare for the Navajo Nation,” he stated.

Secretary Kennedy acknowledged these challenges and offered potential solutions. He proposed lifting the Indian Health Service hiring freeze and reversing employee terminations to bolster healthcare services. Kennedy remarked, “Today we learned many things that HHS could be doing to improve the condition of Navajo health,” and he stressed the importance of securing water rights for the Navajo Nation’s self-sufficiency.

Sharing insights from his visit on X, Kennedy noted, “Today I had the pleasure to visit Navajo Nation. I joined President Buu Nygren and members of the Navajo Nation Council for a hike, followed by a traditional blessing and a performance of the Diné Tah Dancers.” He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing Indian Country’s needs.

In a statement issued the following day, Nygren emphasized the significance of collaboration with the federal government, irrespective of political affiliations. He stated, “We must work with the federal administration – whoever is in office – to fight poverty on the Navajo Nation and to protect our interests.” He discussed various issues with federal officials, including the coal industry, water rights, and health services that are vital for the community.

Nygren was elected in 2022, defeating former President Jonathan Nez by less than six percent. Despite a Democratic lean, emerging polls indicate a shift in Native American voting patterns, with 2024 exit polls suggesting increased support for the Trump administration.

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.