The Navajo Nation Council has voted unanimously to reopen Navajo-owned businesses and to resume in-person instruction for schools on the Nation.
Last Friday’s vote repeals COVID-19 related legislations implemented at the beginning of the pandemic. In a statement today, the Navajo Nation Council says the legislation will grant Chapters authority to discuss non-COVID related matters, including budgets, authorizations and approvals. An original version of the measure was vetoed earlier by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez because of certain language used in the draft, which the new legislation rescinds. Despite the unanimous vote, several council members expressed concerns over the health and safety of the Chapters they represent. Under the legislation, Chapters still have the option to conduct meetings virtually, in-person, or with a hybrid version.