Being a champion takes dedication and perseverance. That is what attendees at the Job and Training Expo learned on June 16, 2026. More than 120 people attended the first expo hosted by the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) at Chinle High School.
Featured speakers President Buu Nygren and Professional Bull Rider Cody Jesus provided motivational remarks, encouraging attendees to set goals and work consistently to achieve them.
Jesus spoke about his career in rodeo, starting when he was 14 years old. He set a goal for himself at a young age, and said, “there was nothing that was ever going to stop me.”
He encouraged the audience to set a goal and chase it. In his remarks, he advised that achieving your goals is about choices and discipline.
“Discipline and just staying true to yourself, doing the right thing and making the right choices, taking advantage of opportunity,” he said.
Jesus spends much of his time every day in the gym, working on conditioning, speed and strength.
Despite being considered a success, Jesus is humble and was happy to greet his fans, take pictures with them, and sign autographs. He spent a couple hours taking time to speak to fans throughout the expo.
In his remarks, President Nygren said he was proud of those who showed up because it means they are willing to work and put in the effort to improve themselves.
He encouraged the attendees to surround themselves with like-minded individuals and to persevere despite setbacks. He commended them for having the mentality to seek opportunities and make their families and communities proud.
“Have that good, positive attitude,” he said. “Don’t give up.” He said that being consistent every day and being prepared when opportunity knocks are what matters.
President Nygren said that having a purpose is one of the best ways to heal the people, which can be through having a job that brings joy and happiness.
He further advised attendees to make the most of their time at the expo by networking with the various resources that were available.
NDCFS Executive Director Thomas Cody said the expo was to help people improve themselves and become employed by finding jobs or education and training opportunities.
“Our focus is, how do we get you as young adults to think about what you’re going to be five years from now, ten years from now?” Cody said. “We want you to be somebody that you will be proud of,’ he said. “It’s for you to make yourself a better person.”
Participants also enriched their knowledge and developed skills through presentations by Joann Nez from Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance; Darren Kenneth of Navajo Nation Staff Development and Training on Effective Communication; Elphonso Curley of Peacemaking Program on Self-Attainability; Rolinda Yazzie of Navajo Department of Workforce Development on Building a Resume; and Nicketa Kirk of Office of Background Investigations on the application process.
Resources had a chance to introduce their services, including Navajo Department of Corrections, Chinle Valley School, Department for Self Reliance, Coconino Community College, Navajo Housing Authority, New Mexico State University, Department of Child Care and Development, Financial Assistance Unit, Capacity Builders, Utah State University, Navajo Transit System, Northland Pioneer College, Charter Institute, Navajo Technical University, Arizona Conservation Corps, and more.
NDCFS Deputy Director Sonlatsa Jim closed the event by thanking all participants for attending, sharing leadership tips with them, and encouraging them to further develop their skills by learning to speak the Navajo language.
The Job and Training Expo is one of the initiatives by the NDCFS to fulfill its P.L. 102-477 plan. The P.L. 102-477, also known as the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act, allows federally recognized tribes to integrate funding streams to address unemployment, training and education.
