President Buu Nygren speaks to the audience at Coppermine Chapter after completing the second marathon in the Presidential Marathon series.
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. —The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) participated in the Buu 250 Presidential Marathon Series by hosting resource fairs that connected Diné families and communities with Navajo Nation programs, services, and support.
Under the theme “250 Miles – One Community at a Time,” the resource fairs gave community members an opportunity to meet directly with NDCFS staff, learn about available programs, and hear from Navajo Nation leaders and community partners.
On September 3, 2026, the NDCFS hosted the resource fair at Coppermine Chapter, which focused on, “Strong Families, Strong Communities: Safe Homes, Affordable Housing, and
Thriving Communities.” The event featured NDCFS departments and programs, community speakers, and a presidential address by Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren.
The program highlighted partnerships with Native American Church organizations through the Preserving Navajo Families Initiative to prevent social challenges such as substance abuse, violence, suicide, and missing and murdered relatives. Organizations demonstrated raising a tipi and a drum tie session onsite.
NDCFS also hosted a resource fair on September 6, 2026, at Red Mesa High school under the theme, “Healing with Hope: Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Addiction Recovery, and Ensuring No One Walks Alone.” The event highlighted family support, behavioral health, prevention, and community wellness while again bringing NDCFS services directly to residents.
Participating programs included the Department for Child Well-Being, Department for Self Reliance, Department of Child Care, Department for Long-Term Services and Supports, Financial Assistance Unit, and Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families (NTCCF).
Through the BUU 250 resource fairs, NDCFS continued its commitment to meeting families where they are and making services more accessible across the Navajo Nation. NDCFS departments and programs participated in each of the nine locations starting at Navajo Mountain, Ariz., on September 2, 2026. Other locations included Shonto, Monument Valley, Red Valley, Lake Valley, Lukachukai, and Canyon de Chelly.
Joseph Sandoval, NTCCF Community Development Specialist, was available at each site to collaborate with partners and share information on his program.
“The community got to ask questions about resources they did not know even existed,” he said, noting that many people did not know about the traditional services component of NTCCF.
An important part of being at the resource fairs was community involvement by meeting and greeting the people and witnessing the enthusiasm of all participants, Sandoval added.
Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director, said it was important to visit rural communities to let the public know about the services available without having to travel far to central or agency offices.
“These events are about building stronger connections with our communities and making sure families know what resources are available to them,” he said.
Families were also encouraged to practice healthy habits by walking, running, or biking a portion or all of each course at ten locations throughout the Navajo Nation. Many young children joined in the physical activity. The Presidential Marathon ended at Window Rock on September 11, 2026, with more than 250 miles completed.
NDCFS thanks the chapters, schools, speakers, community partners, volunteers and residents who helped make the Buu 250 Presidential Marathon resource fairs possible.
Shonto Prep cross country team members ran in the Shonto event.
Coppermine Chapter event
Red Mesa High School event
Lake Valley
