Russell Begaye: “The Navajo Nation was never consulted on H.R. 4532.”

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.

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.

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.

The Navajo Nation elected leadership and our grassroots community fully supported and advocated for the original designation.