Russell Begaye: “The Navajo Nation elected leadership and our grassroots community fully supported and advocated for the original…”

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.

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.

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.

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.