Welcome to a new, exclusive series right here on Cowboy Lifestyle Network. We are proud to bring you ‘Stories From the Navajo Nation’ as we dive deeper into the culture and way of life of Council Delegates from every agency on the largest Sovereign Nation in the United States. Our first story comes from the western portion of the Navajo Nation with Councilman Nathaniel Brown who represents the communities of Dennehotso, Kayenta, Chííłchinbii’tó, Arizona. We were lucky enough to catch up with him to ask a few questions about his work as a legislator for the Navajo people.
CLN: What do you like to do in your free time?
Nathaniel: I enjoy hiking in our Navajo tribal parks, listening to podcasts, attending traditional ceremonies that are seasonal, and reading our Native American authors.
CLN: What are causes do you support? What are you passionate about?
Nathaniel: I am passionate about the revitalization of the Navajo language, implementing laws against human trafficking, sharing more on the importance of our Navajo traditional ceremonies, and being a champion for Native LGBTQIA+ rights. This includes the creation of the Navajo language college scholarship fund, a 501c3 nonprofit sweat equity housing project, and advocating for the Indian Child Welfare Act and foster care services for our Indigenous children.
CLN: What are the major issues in the community you represent?
Nathaniel: Some of the major items we continue to address and work on is the lack of public safety resources, the illegal sale of alcohol and drugs, and uplifting the stories of our Missing and Murdered Navajo Relatives across the United States. Support for the tourism industry and the creation of jobs for local economic development initiatives is important to the communities I represent. We want readers to know that Kayenta, Arizona, is the gateway to Monument Valley, Utah, a wonder of the world.
CLN: What would you like to accomplish before the end of your term?
Nathaniel: I want to secure funding for all the projects I listed, support the work of the national Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement, and be a local leader that brings jobs back locally to help our families.
CLN: Are there any areas in your region that you want people to learn more about?
Nathaniel: I would love for people to learn more about our tourism opportunities as a whole. The Navajo Nation is at the center of some amazing tribal and national parks – from the Grand Canyon, Navajo National Monument, Canyon De Chelly, Antelope Canyon, to the Monument Valley. Everyone is welcome to our sacred homeland as visitors. The Navajo people want to share their own stories with the world.
CLN: Is the anything else you want the world to know about you?
Nathaniel: The Navajo people have a beautiful culture and way of life. Our language is sacred and through the bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers, our words were used to assist the United States Armed Forces since War World II.
About the Western Navajo Agency
The Western Navajo Agency (WNA) has 18 chapter governments and a total population of 36,737 (Census 2021). With a total of 2,359,122 acres and 1,160 grazing permittees, the western region encompasses Utah and Arizona.
To learn more about the 24th Navajo Nation Council and the work of its lawmakers, like Delegate Nathaniel Brown, please visit NavajoNationCouncil.org.
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