What does the NNHRC advocate for?
The NNHRC believes all peoples have the right to practice self-determination, civil and political rights including the right to life/liberty, right to vote, right to freedom of speech, etc. Also, peoples have the right to practice social, cultural and economic rights including the right to education, right to sacred lands/sites, right to language/culture, etc. The NNHRC exists to address and investigate instances in which such basic human rights are violated.
Who can file claim with the NNHRC?
Any citizen of the Navajo Nation who feels they've been discriminated against due to their race may file a claim with the NNHRC. The NNHRC encourages all individuals to 'Know Your Rights' and to report any incidences of discrimination to the NNHRC and/or proper authorities. Please visit our section on how to fill out a complaint form.
How long has the NNHRC been in place?
The 20th Navajo Nation Council enacted the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Act (2 N.N.C. §920 to 924) in October, 2006. The 21st Navajo Nation Council adopted the Commissions' Plan of Operation in July, 2008 and allowed for the selection of the Commissioners, staff and office location. The Commission was established to collect data regarding discriminatory acts against citizens of the Navajo Nation by private citizens, businesses, organizations and foreign governments within and outside the Navajo Nation.
Where is the NNHRC office located?
The NNHRC is located at 29 Crest Road in St. Michaels, Arizona. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request more information about the NNHRC call (928) 871-7436.
Who are the Commissioners?
The NNHRC is directed by five commissioners who are each appointed a 4-year term by the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council and confirmed by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee. They represent diverse professional vocations from the Education, Business, Social Services and Law Enforcement sectors, with one at-large member. The Commissioners are to conduct themselves as fiduciaries while promoting and protecting the human rights of the Navajo people.
How does the NNHRC work?
The NNHRC will hear testimonies by individuals at public hearings in the Navajo Nation border town communities. They will assess the state-of-affairs between Navajos and non-Navajos and compile a report of all the findings. The Commission will also assist in investigations of complaints submitted by citizens of the Navajo Nation while educating the public on their rights. The NNHRC also seeks to establish relationships with other organizations that support the mission of protecting and fighting for the rights of
individuals experiencing discrimination.
What is the need for a human rights commission on the Navajo Nation?
Recent events that have occurred in border town communities involving the abuse and death of Navajo peoples led the Navajo Nation Council to establish the NNHRC. In addition, the NNHRC is taking an active role in advancing the recognition of indigenous rights at world forums by attending working groups for the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Organization of American States (OAS) draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
What is the significance of the NNHRC logo?
Arrowheads - Are symbols of protection
Feathers - Represent the Navajo Twins
Inner Circle - Is a representation of the Navajo Nation and also signifies the sun, where the twins traveled while defeating monsters to visit their father and bringing order to a world of chaos.
Outer Rings-are a representation of the state, national/international governments. The overall logo design has similarities to that of the United Nations, a networking entity sharing similar efforts in protecting and advocating for indigenous human rights.
Outer Colors - Represents the cosmos, where the holy people live, and show the sacred colors of the four worlds from which Diné emerged.
Open top- Represents an outlet in avoidance of total enclosure
4 white lines - Indicate influentual pathways the NNHRC strives to create to prompt recognition of Navajo Human Rights from the Navajo Nation outward through the state, national and international governments.
© 2008 Navajo Nation Department of Information Technology
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