For these reasons, we strongly advocate that the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act be reauthorized at the proposed $13 million levels for each fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
Russell Begaye
The Public Record
American politician, former President of the Navajo Nation
★ Featured Quote
August 21, 2018
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.
— Russell Begaye
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.
Money is money, life is more important than money. We can continue to argue about prospering in this Nation, but respecting one another's rights and religion is all we ask for.
H.R. 4532 retains the same failing as the Trump proclamation: it does not protect the Bears Ears landscape in a way that is meaningful and lasting.
The Navajo Nation elected leadership and our grassroots community fully supported and advocated for the original designation.
The bill stifles the tribal voice in monument management, and the bill eliminates protection for our cultural patrimony.
I am here because 150 years later we must continue to fight to honor our treaty, our landscape, and our cultural patrimony for future generations.
The only special interests that concern me are those of uranium mining interests.