President Buu Nygren and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater Nygren signed a proclamation declaring August 2026 Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) supported the Indigenous Milk Medicine Run and Stroller Walk on August 19, 2026. More than 100 supporters joined the 5K run, 2 mile walk, or stroller walk at the event, which was hosted by the Navajo Birthworker Collective in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Program, and NDCFS.
Following the completion of the run and walk, President Buu Nygren and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater Nygren signed a proclamation declaring August 2026 Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
The proclamation states: “The Navajo Nation recognizes that breastfeeding is part of the Navajo oral history of Asdzaan Nadleedhi, called Changing Woman in English, who provided for a beautiful baby girl with the blessings of corn pollen and suckles of the dew of wildflowers, both substances known as colostrum and human milk today.” The proclamation also recognizes the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding such as fewer ear infections, diarrhea, colds, pneumonia, meningitis, childhood leukemia, diabetes, allergies, obesity, asthma and other ailments.
Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director, said that the Division supports efforts to improve the health and quality of life for children and families. “Improving the health of our families provides a foundation for a stronger Navajo Nation,” Cody said. “We encourage our people to educate themselves on the benefits of healthy families and consuming traditional forms of nutrition from birth to old age.”
The event promoted physical health and mental well-being for all participants. Corraine Lee, Financial Assistance Unit Administrative Service Officer, said it was the first time she walked on the trail by the Navajo Nation Museum. “It was a nice, scenic route. I need to do that more often,” she said. Gayla James, Senior Programs and Projects Specialist, said that being in nature and among the community boosted her mental well-being. “Walking in that natural setting was a stress reliever,” she said.
Before the run and walk began, a health fair with resource booths was available for participants. The Department for Self Reliance provided public education on services it offers during the health fair. Visitors were able to learn about the department and other NDCFS programs.
Nationally, August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, with the goal to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. This year, the theme is, “RISE: Resilience, Interdependence, Self-Determination, Empowerment.”
Indigenous Milk Medicine Week is August 8-14, 2026, which has the theme this year of, “We Keep the Fires Lit: Rising Through Milk Medicine.” The Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective promotes upholding traditional teachings and reclaiming cultural sovereignty related to Native first food experiences, healing and wellness.
