The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) presented on its economic impact during the Navajo Economic Summit on June 10, 2026.
The Economic Summit, hosted by the Navajo Division of Economic Development (DED), was held June 8-10, 2026, with the theme, “Our Resources, Our Responsibilities.”
NDCFS Executive Director Thomas Cody and Delegated Program Manager Marlinda Littleman explained how the NDCFS departments and programs contribute hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy each year through services, financial assistance, and other means. They emphasized projects where the Division is supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment through cultural teachings.
These projects include a ribbon skirt making workshop for veterans, a Navajo rug weaving course for employees and NDCFS members (clients), and moccasin-making classes for elementary school students at Little Singer Community School.
Teaching people the skills and knowledge they need to make skirts, rugs, and moccasins also teaches them about traditional economy, opportunities to share these teachings, and trading and selling their items. Each of the projects also included wellness and violence prevention components as part of the Division’s “Culture is Healing” initiative.
Noting that statistics from 2024 show that only about 10.3% of people on the Navajo Nation obtain their bachelor’s degree or higher, Cody said that the Division is working to offer training and other opportunities to the people who don’t pursue higher education.
“That’s where our big push is – to do a lot of training for the youth,” Cody said. “We all need to work together to address the 80% of kids who are not going to university or college.”
In addition to cultural workshops, the NDCFS is investing in the future of the Navajo Nation by helping to grow our leaders. The NDCFS is hosting Youth Leadership Training events this summer at the Navajo Nation agencies where staff are teaching children skills to become leaders. At the events, young people, ages 9 to 18 years old, have the opportunity to hear presentations on the oral traditional story of leadership, origins of clans, and sacred mountains as leaders.
These types of workshops and trainings are part of the creative ways that NDCFS is fulfilling its goals to reduce unemployment and provide training and education through the federal Public Law 120-477 program.
The NDCFS has an approved P.L. 102-477 plan, which allows the Navajo Nation to integrate funding streams to address unemployment, training and education. Also known as the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act, P.L. 102-477 streamlines and consolidates federal grant programs into a single plan, budget and reporting system, thereby reducing administrative burdens and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
The Summit gave NDCFS the opportunity to engage and network with those who have a direct interest in developing the Navajo economy and discover ways that the NDCFS can strengthen its efforts.
The Economic Summit also featured remarks from DED Director Sharlene Begay-Platero, Diné Development Corporation CEO Austin Tsosie, Resources and Development Committee Vice Chairman Casey Allen Johnson, and Dr. Manley Begay, Professor at Northern Arizona University. Keynote addresses were provided by Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company CEO John Brooks, Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprises Board of Directors Chairman Donovan Hanley, and President Dr. Buu Nygren.
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