Russell Begaye

Navajo culture and language preservation is a top priority for the Navajo Nation because Dine Bizaad (Navajo language) retains our heritage legacy and individuality as Native people.

Language preservation funding like Ester Martinez has provided resources for programs across Indian Country to help our youth learn their Native languages to preserve our rich traditions and unique culture.

We respectfully, yet strongly, urge you to reject these proposals and maintain full funding for the Community Health Representative and Health Education programs in the fiscal year 2019 budget.

H.R. 4518 truly honors tribes and tribal sovereignty, and ensures a meaningful role for us in managing the lands.

Such legislation prevents the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and other Indian nations to self-determine their own destinies.

This is incorrect. The Navajo Nation and the other tribes of the five-tribe Bears Ears Inter-Tribal coalition were not consulted with prior to the introduction of H.R. 4532.

The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition adamantly opposes H.R. 4532 and its attempt to legislatively confirm President Trump's unlawful action revoking, replacing, and dismantling the Bear Ears National Monument.

The Navajo Nation was never consulted on H.R. 4532.

Instead of this bill, the Subcommittee should be holding a hearing on H.R. 4518, the Bears Ears National Monument Expansion Act, introduced by Congressman Gallego.

the answer, then, lies with Congress, which can pass laws that withstand the test of time and presidents.

the Navajo Nation definitively states that we had no consultation on H.R. 4532, and we hereby reaffirm our opposition to H.R. 4532.