Press Releases

WINDOW ROCK – The third week of June each year is proclaimed Diné Pride Week by the Navajo Nation to celebrate LGBTQ+ relatives. The Navajo Nation Council approved resolution CJY-63-20 in July 2020 recognizing that “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit people are important to our livelihood and diversity since time immemorial.” Diné Pride Week is to protect citizens…

The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) joined the Azee’ Bee Nahaghá of Diné Nation (ABNDN) for its 60th Annual Convention at the ABNDN Spiritual Site in Chinle, Ariz., from June 18-20, 2026. The theme for the Convention was, “Azee’ Hinaah Dinisingo Bik’ehgo Naasha.” On June 20, the ABNDN dedicated its new tent, which was made possible through…

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…

The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) provided a report to the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee (HEHSC) on the effort to amend the Vulnerable Adult Protection Act (VAPA) on Monday, June 15, 2026. The NDCFS worked on revising the VAPA with partners over the last year. NDCFS Deputy Director Sonlatsa Jim informed the Committee that the…

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…

Staff from the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) attended the 46th National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference (NINAETC) June 1-4, 2026 to gain valuable training in topics related to the Public Law 102-477. The theme for the conference was, “Exceeding the Vision, Expanding the Possibilities.” NINAETC is a national organization whose members are grantees…

BIRDSPRINGS, Ariz. – Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) joined the Little Singer Community School (LSCS) at a special and meaningful promotion ceremony to celebrate the sixth-grade students on Friday, May 22, 2026. NDCFS supported a moccasin making project called, “Healing through Culture,” for LSCS students, which they worked on over the last few weeks of the school…

GALLUP – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) celebrated National Skilled Nursing Care Week with Miss Navajo Nation 2025-26 Camille J. Uentillie and Gallup Nursing and Rehabilitation on May 13, 2026. Gallup Nursing and Rehabilitation held a frybread contest with Miss Navajo in front of its facility. Residents were able to enjoy the fresh air while eating…

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Germaine Simonson WINDOW ROCK – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) partnered with Navajo Nation Council Delegate Germaine Simonson to “train the trainers” for upcoming Youth Leadership Training sessions to be hosted by the Division. The Youth Leadership Trainings are a part of the NDCFS’s P.L. 102-477 Plan to reduce unemployment through workforce…

CROWNPOINT – The Office of Diné Youth (ODY) held the first Navajo Nation Science Fair in years on April 23, 2026. This year marked the first time the Navajo Nation-wide science fair has been held since it stopped during the pandemic. The science fair drew more than 80 entries from students across the Navajo Nation in grades 4th through 8th…