Last month, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed legislation designating Navajo (Diné Bizaad) as the official language of the Navajo Nation. The law aims to strengthen language preservation, integrating it into daily life and government activities.
The decision comes after decades of efforts to promote the language. Although Navajo fluency has declined over the years, the language is still widely spoken. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 372,000 people speak Native North American languages at home. The most common of these languages is Navajo, with nearly 170,000 speakers.
“I feel much gratitude to everyone dedicated to preserving our beautiful language,” Nygren said. “I’m delighted to announce that Diné Bizaad is now recognized officially through legislation as integral to the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation.”
While Diné Customary Law recognizes the inherent right and freedom of the Diné people to have their language taught and preserved, the language has never been officially designated as the tribe’s official language until now.
In his memo to the Navajo Nation Council, Nygren outlined his commitment to implementing new strategies to make Diné Bizaad “the heart” of his administration. He urged members of the Budget and Finance Committee, along with other delegates, to collaborate with his office and Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne to develop a comprehensive budget to ensure the promotion of the language.
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Arizona Republic (1/7/25) by Arlyssa D. Becenti