fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

The term Diné, meaning the People in the Navajo language, is viewed by many as a more culturally accurate reflection of the Nation’s heritage and identity. 

On Wednesday, the 25th Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee advanced legislation that seeks a referendum allowing Diné voters to decide whether to change the official name of the Navajo Nation to the Diné Nation.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

If the 25th Navajo Nation Council approves the legislation, the referendum will be presented to Navajo voters, allowing them to decide on the name change in the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024.

Law and Order Committee's Chair Eugenia Charles-Newton highlighted the potential impacts that an official name change could have on the Nation’s sovereignty, citing historical precedents such as the 1986 name change of the Papago Indians to the Tohono O’odham Nation.

 Council Delegate Herman M. Daniels, Jr., who sponsored the legislation, said that recognizing the traditional name could similarly strengthen the sovereignty and tribal identity of the Navajo Nation.

Vice Chair Cherilyn Yazzie called for a comprehensive cost analysis to fully understand the potential financial impacts of the name change before proceeding further. Committee members supported the request to include financial and administrative costs associated with updating official documents, signage, digital platforms, and other materials, into the legislation.

The outcome of the referendum will have significant implications for the community, government entities, and the cultural identity of the Navajo people.

The Law and Order Committee voted two in favor and one opposed to advancing Legislation 0201-24 to the Naabik’iyati’ Committee for further deliberation. If approved by the Naabik’iyati’ Committee, the legislation will then move forward to the full Navajo Nation Council for a final decision.

More Stories Like This

Chickasaw Culture, Unity Themes of Annual Cultural Evening
Cherokee Nation Steps to Aid Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Chickasaw Nation Governor Anoatubby Says State of the Chickasaw Nation is Strong and Getting Stronger
Poarch Creek Indians and Wind Creek Hospitality Partner to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
San Carlos Apache Tribe Appeals Arizona Supreme Court Decision to U.S. Supreme Court

Join our Founder’s Circle: a special group of supporters who are dedicated to ensuring that Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism. To join the Founder's Circle, we ask that you make a monthly recurring contribution of $15 or more or a one-time donation of $175 or more. 

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].