Tribal committee approves funding

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Inter-Governmental Relations Committee gave the green light to legislation on Monday which will bring in more than $13.2 million for tribal programs.

Despite the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, the committee wrangled up a quorum and passed nine items on its agenda within an hour, adjourning before lunch.

Council Delegate Peterson B. Yazzie, a member of the Health and Social Services Committee, sponsored a majority of the legislative items including grant awards for sexually transmitted disease prevention, bioterrorism and public health preparedness, and child care services.

The Inter-Governmental Relations Committee approved a more than $12 million two-year grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services for child care services which began Oct. 1, 2004 and ends Sept. 30, 2006 and a $250,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for sexually transmitted disease prevention .

It also approved a contract between the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Navajo Nation for more than $680,000 to address bioterrorism and public health preparedness issues.

The committee approved and recommended the Detoxification Reform Act of 2005 for passage by the New Mexico Legislature. The act gives Na'nizhoozhi Center Inc. more options in treating "persons in alcoholic crisis."

The committee supported legislation requesting assistance for funding shortages in the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service without adversely affecting Navajo Area Indian Health Service funding.

The Inter-Governmental Relations Committee also approved an agreement between the Utah Navajo Trust Fund and the Navajo Utah Commission as well as approved the Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act contracts between the Navajo Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the next five years for Adult Corrections Program, Chinle Juvenile Services, and Tuba City Juvenile Services.

Approved education legislation includes a Memorandum of Understanding between the Navajo Nation, the Ramah Navajo School Board, Gallup-McKinley County Schools, and Parents Reaching Out concerning the transition of students between programs as well as approval of one review every three-years of the Department of Head Start.

Two items not approved include a law enforcement technology grant for more than $232,000 and an agreement between the Navajo Nation and the Arizona State Parks in the amount of $48,700 with matching tribal funds. Both sponsors were a no-show.

To contact reporter Pam Dempsey call (505) 879-1707 or email pamelagdempsey@msn.com