On Thursday, the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee approved Legislation No. 0051-26, confirming 12 young leaders to serve on the Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council (NNYAC). The newly appointed advocates were selected from a competitive pool of 41 applicants to represent Navajo youth across the Nation’s five agencies and beyond.
“Our youth are the future of the Navajo Nation, and their voices deserve to be heard at every level of governance,” said legislation sponsor Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “I am proud to support these 12 outstanding young leaders as they step into this role with purpose, determination, and a deep commitment to their communities. The 25th Navajo Nation Council stands fully behind them as they begin this important journey.”
The NNYAC is a government entity within the Navajo Nation’s Legislative Branch, created to ensure the perspectives of young Diné people are formally included in the legislative process.
Under resolutions CS-40-25 and CJY-19-25, the council was moved from the Office of the President and Vice President to the Legislative Branch — a shift intended to strengthen its advisory role and impact on policymaking.
Council members serve two-year terms and must be enrolled members of the Navajo Nation between the ages of 14 and 24.
Representing the Central Navajo Agency are Vydell Willie of Round Rock, Arizona, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Indian Country Criminal Justice at Northern Arizona University, and Aryiah James of Wheatfields, Arizona, who is working toward an associate degree in business administration and hopes to become an entrepreneur.
Representing the Fort Defiance Agency are Starr Joe of Fort Defiance, Arizona, a senior at Window Rock High School active in youth leadership initiatives across the Navajo Nation and Arizona, and Makyle Dan of Fort Defiance, who is committed to empowering Navajo youth and promoting cultural preservation.
Representing the Northern Navajo Agency are Daelyn Benally of Teec Nos Pos, New Mexico, a post-baccalaureate student at Arizona State University focused on food justice and sustainable food systems, and Tewakeedah Martin of Montezuma Creek, Utah, a U.S. Army veteran and Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen 2025–2026 who advocates for Native veterans and youth leadership.
Representing the Western Navajo Agency are Yanabah Smith of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah, who is dedicated to expanding opportunities for Navajo youth while preserving Diné culture, and Kaya Dickson of Kaibeto, Arizona, a Northern Arizona University graduate who works with the Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff assisting unsheltered individuals.
Representing the Eastern Navajo Agency are Nikko Yazzie of Church Rock, New Mexico, who encourages Navajo youth to connect more deeply with Diné arts and crafts, and Kendri Kinlacheeny of Smith Lake, New Mexico, a sophomore at McKinley Academy with interests in politics and psychology.
Two at-large members representing Navajo youth living off the reservation also joined the council. Kaylee Bahe of Piñon, Arizona, is a student at Tufts University pursuing a path toward becoming an Indigenous rights attorney, while Louvannina Tsosie of Tohlakai, New Mexico, recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling.
The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee approved Legislation 0051-26 under the consent agenda by a vote of 13–5. The committee holds final authority over the legislation.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council also thanked all 41 applicants who sought the positions. Youth who wish to remain engaged in the policymaking process are encouraged to attend Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council meetings and participate in ongoing discussions about the future of the Navajo Nation.