In a move to bolster public health understanding and readiness, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Arizona, promising to more closely work together on health initiatives, with a particular focus on COVID-19 data. The partnership aims to identify risk factors within the Navajo community that could improve preparation for future pandemics. President Nygren emphasized the proactive nature of this agreement saying, “Yideeskáadi nitsákees. Prepare for the future. Never wait around for things to happen. This MOU embodies this philosophy,” as reported by the Office of the President and Vice President of the Navajo Nation.
The MOU brings to light disparities in COVID-19 infection rates among communities that primarily speak English compared to those where Navajo is predominantly spoken. Dr. Karletta Chief, of the University of Arizona, pointed to language barriers, socioeconomic status, and access to resources like clean water as potential contributing factors to these differences. Chief's leadership role with the Indigenous Resilience Center places her in a position to deeply understand and address public health concerns tailored to Diné people. "We are Indigenous led," Chief told the Navajo Nation News, “We have a unique perspective, and through our work a deep commitment to Native communities. Factors like food security, food insecurity, electricity and lack of electricity all impact public health.”
Integral to the MOU is the analysis of socioeconomic risks such as the adequacy of household infrastructure and the level of education, factors that are crucial to evaluating their overall impact on public health. This collaborative will to carefully examine those risks was echoed by Sherylene Yazzie, Executive Director of NDOH, who considered the University of Arizona now a member of the family, invested in the wellbeing of their people.
Emphasizing the mutual respect and honor of the partnership, Dr. Robert Robbins, president of the University, expressed his pride in working with the Navajo Nation and the commitment of the University to mitigate COVID-19's impact within communities. President Nygren hoped the results of this partnership would enhance the lives of the Navajo people, “My hope is that the findings from this partnership will enhance the lives of our Navajo people, building on our cultural beliefs and traditions to better prepare for future challenges.” he explained in a statement.
The ceremony signifying the commitment between the Navajo Nation and the University of Arizona was punctuated with cultural exchanges, including gifts of a UA football and traditional medicines such as sage and a necklace of white shells presented to President Nygren. Miguel Flores Jr., CEO of Holistic Wellness Counseling & Consultant Services, LLC, offered these in a gesture of well-wishing: "We ask that our Creator bless our body, mind and spirit."
