WINDOW ROCK – On Thursday, the Navajo Nation welcomed Jill Biden to the capital of the Navajo Nation for the start of a two-day visit. This marks the third visit of Biden to the Navajo Nation over the last several years and her first official visit as the First Lady.
A welcome ceremony was held at Navajo Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, where Biden addressed the Navajo people and leaders, which was aired live on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page and local radio stations.
“Honoring the treaty trust obligations and responsibilities between tribes and the federal government will be recognized. With beauty, harmony, and Hozhó in front of us, behind us, above us, below us, and around us, we can build and strengthen Mother Earth and our Nation. We stand with the Navajo Nation today, tomorrow, and always,” said First Lady Biden.
“On behalf of the Navajo people and my wife Phefelia Nez and our family, we thank First Lady Biden for making the Navajo Nation a priority in the first months of the Biden Harris Administration,” said President Jonathan Nez.
“I met with President Biden and Vice President Harris last October, at that time, nominee Biden promised to listen to Native American people and understood the importance of the government-to-government relationship and in November the Navajo people came out and delivered the State of Arizona on election day, even in the midst of this terrible pandemic. We are very pleased that the Biden-Harris Administration is keeping their promise by having a seat at the table for the Navajo Nation and other tribes,” said Nez.
Prior to the public welcome event, Biden joined Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Nez and Second Lady Dottie Lizer for a discussion with several women leaders, educators, business owners, organizers, and advocates including 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty who chairs the Sexual Assault Prevention Subcommittee.
Also participating were Arviso Construction project manager Brianne Arviso, Tséhootsooí Medical Center respiratory therapist and cancer survivor Sarah Dahozy, Navajo Technical University Board of Regents member Gloria Grant, Navajo Nation Board of Education President Priscilla Manuelito, Navajo artisan and wellness advocate Gwendolyn Sandra McCray, Navajo United Way Executive Director Dr. Laura Mike, and First Things First Navajo Regional Director Memarie Tsosie.
The roundtable participants also presented recommendations to provide more support for Navajo families and individuals and service programs and organizations. The discussion also highlighted underfunded and under-resourced programs and initiatives that hinder effective and adequate services to Navajo families and individuals.