Navajo Nation Leads Indian Country With New Green Jobs Legislation

We can all be excited about this development. On July 21, 2009 in Window Rock AZ, the 21st Navajo Nation Council voted "green" and passed the enactment of the Navajo Green Economy Commission, which would oversee the use of federal, state and private funds for green job initiatives. Through the measure, community members could apply for funding to create projects that the commission deems "green." Navajo Nation Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan and the Navajo Green Economy Coalition (NGEC) developed the legislation to support the creation of hundreds of green jobs on the Navajo Nation. Check out the video above to learn more about this initiative and how it came about.

According to a press release from NGEC, more than fifty supporters from across the reservation gathered in front of the Navajo Nation Education Building on the morning of the Council meeting. The group peacefully marched a quarter of a mile in green "Green Jobs" shirts to the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, AZ. Supporters greeted Council Delegates while filling up the front row seats of the Council chambers. Multi-generational supporters sat in to encourage and ensure that their community representatives pass the legislation.

"This is the just the beginning for Indian Country. We hope our efforts pave the way for other tribal nations to bring local sustainable green jobs to their communities," said Wahleah Johns, Co-Director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition.

"A green economy is not a new concept to Navajo. There are many green business opportunities that fit perfectly with our culture. We must once again hearken to such processes to truly build our own economy that puts high value on our tradition - old and modern economic pursuits. In this way, we will build a vibrant economy for the future generations while honoring our great ancestors. Today's decision is a critical first step towards making this dream a reality," said Tony Skrelunas, the former Executive Director of the Navajo Nation's Division of Economic Development and a member of the Coalition.

Youth advocating for green jobs commission

"The passing of this legislation is monumental because it is a catalyst for economic development on the Navajo Nation with Navajo traditional values & community at its core," says David Johns of the Dine' Haatali Association Vice-President (Navajo Medicine Men Association).

The impetus for the came from a grassroots coalition, formed in the spring of 2008, of individuals and the Sierra Club, 1Sky New Mexico, Grand Canyon Trust, Diné CARE, New Energy Economy and New Mexico Youth Organized.

The enactment of the Navajo Nation Green Economy Commission was introduced and tabled during the Navajo Nation Spring Council Session in April 2009. After three months of additional work, the legislation was brought up as Old Business on the Council floor and quickly went to a vote. The 14-month effort ended victoriously with a vote of 62 to 1.

The Navajo Green Jobs Coalition has offered congratulations to the Navajo Nation Council for taking this first, important step in securing green jobs for the Navajo people. This legislation will set up the infrastructure needed to capture federal money already earmarked for green job development. What’s more, this legislation will focus on small-scale, community development -- a form of economic development that empowers local communities and allows folks to work near their homes and communities. This moves the Navajo Nation and the Navajo people one step closer to a green economy. Advocates look forward to the president’s signature on the legislation in the coming weeks.