The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) enjoyed visiting with Diné relatives in Phoenix this past weekend. The NDCFS team provided outreach at the Phoenix Indian Center’s Song and Dance on February 28, 2026, at Glendale High School. The theme was, “Nihizaad dóó nihe’í’ool’įįł t’áá náásgóó yit’ih dooleeł (Our language and culture will continue into the future).” The event brought together people to celebrate Navajo singing, spend time with family and friends, and dress beautifully in traditional attire, showcasing pride in culture and identity.
“The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services continues to be committed to reaching out to our urban relatives and extending services that they could qualify for. This commitment started when Nygren/Montoya took office in 2023 and made support for urban relatives a top priority of their administration,” Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director, said.
The Department of Self Reliance (DSR) provided education on its services for eligible individuals to obtain knowledge, skills and experience to become self-reliant. The DSR highlighted its partnerships with Coconino Community College, San Juan College, Dream One Trucking Schools, and Utah State University – Blanding for the Extended Training Program, which trains eligible individuals for employment such as certified nursing assistants, commercial drivers, heavy equipment operators, medical assistants, solar energy technicians, and welders.
The Department of Child Care and Development (DCCD) connected with individuals and resources on its message for providing access to childcare for low-income families. DCCD serves the Navajo Nation through five regional offices—Chinle, Crownpoint, Fort Defiance, Shiprock, and Tuba City – offering high-quality childcare services for children from birth to 13 years old. DCCD empowers families by offering flexible options, including tribal and state childcare centers, independent providers, and relative providers.
The Office of Executive Director recruited for vacant positions. The NDCFS has a position for a social worker stationed in Phoenix that it will be advertising. Vacant positions are available on the Navajo Nation’s Department of Personnel Management website.
Other service providers joined in the activities, including Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Coalition, Navajo Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services, Yideeską́ądi Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Center, and Native Health Phoenix. Vendors were on hand with their unique arts and crafts.
For more information on NDCFS services, please visit www.ndcfs.org. For more information on DSR, visit www.nntanf.org.
