- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Council approved legislation to reopen eight tribal parks on the Navajo Nation. The tribal parks have been closed for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The legislation passed unanimously following the Navajo Nation’s change from “Orange” to “Yellow” safety status under Covid-19 safety protocols detailed by Public Health Order No. 2021-005.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
The Office of the President and Vice President (OPVP) must still approve the legislation.
Upon approval, the following Navajo tribal parks, entities, and establishments will open:
- Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Monument Valley Welcome Center
- Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park
- Four Corners Monument and Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Area
- Navajo Nation Museum
- Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park
- Navajo Nation Zoo
Before reopening, each park will have to submit an outlined safety measure plan to the Navajo Nation Health Commands Operation Center and Navajo Operational Safety and Health Administration, before being authorized to safely open.
Despite hesitation from some Council members about a potential second wave of Covid-19 and differing mask mandates for surrounding states near the Navajo Nation, the amendment passed with a vote of 21 in favor and zero opposed.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
President Biden to Tribal Nations: "We don’t erase history"
President Biden to Designate National Monument at Carlisle Indian Boarding School
Vice President Harris Will Address the White House Tribal Nations Summit Today
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.