Leaders from the executive, legislative and judicial branch join the newly appointed members of the Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.-The three branch chiefs came together in February to approve the appointments of the first ever Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council (NNYAC).
The NNYAC was designed to give youth a platform to voice their concerns, call awareness to issues they want to confront and engage with the leaders and decision-makers of the Navajo Nation not only at local levels, but at state and national levels too.
During interviews for the council, many of the applicants spoke about their desire to put an end to suicide, and to drug and alcohol abuse. They discussed a need for parental involvement and aspirations to revitalize Navajo language and culture.
"We are having this conversation about life and talking about how awesome life is," Vice President Jonathan Nez said regarding discussions to prevent suicide. "Teach your peers and generation after you about not giving up on your goals and dreams. Our ancestors went through tough times, yet they persevered to get us here today and their resilience is pumping through your veins."
The NNYAC is made up of 12 members between the ages of 14 and 24. Two members, one male and one female, represent each of the five agencies and the Navajo Nation at large. The council members' responsibilities, according to the legislation, who are to provide policy recommendations, identify issues affecting Navajo youth and recommend amendments to legislation and plans of operation.
NNYAC Member Hannah Chone said the council is an "opportunity to get involved not only for my agency but to work well with all agencies so we could find solutions for our nation as a whole."
"I'm more than excited to be working with young individuals and to have, for example, President Begaye and Vice President Nez as models so that we have something to look up to," she said. "I know they'll be very supportive-all the staff, all the branches will be very supportive of us."
Yvonne Kee Billison, executive staff assistant for the Office of the President and Vice President (OPVP) said, "The process for the Youth Advisory Council started a year-and-a-half ago. The government wanted to hear a youth voice and hear how the youth would address the issues facing the Navajo Nation. Historically, youth voice was limited and this is the first time that legislation was passed inclusive of all three branches. That's never happened before until now."
Members of the newly appointed council are: Hannah Chone and Adriano Mescal, representing the Eastern Agency; Chantz Samuel and Niagara Rockbridge, representing the Central Agency; Byron James and Angel Hicks, representing Fort Defiance Agency; Nicholas Tsepai and Reniah Manygoats, representing the Northern Agency; Cameron Kee and Sarah Cambridge, representing the Western Agency; and Tyler Johnson and Sunshine Tso, representing the Navajo Nation at-large.
