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About Us

History of the Navajo Nation
Human Rights Commission

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.

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Mission Statement

"To protect and promote the human rights of Navajo Nation citizens by advocating human equality at the local, state, national and international levels based on the Diné principles of Sa’a Naaghai Bik’e Hozhoo, Hashkéejí, Hózhóójí and K’é."

*** The Diné principles translate to being resilient, content, disciplined and maintaining peaceful relationships with all creation.

Vision Statement

“The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission shall serve as a forum to provide information and education, with the intention of empowering Navajo Nation citizens on human rights.”

Statement of Principle

“The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission commits to honor the Diné guiding principles of yínídílyinee and álílee k’ehgo and to be guided by the Diné principles of Sa’a Naaghai Bik’e Hozhoo, Hashkéejí, Hózhóójí and K’é."

*** The Diné grounding principles translate to being humble and to preserve and honor our beliefs.

NNHRC Plan of Operations

Understand Our Role and Responsibilities

How our work is structured to protect and serve Navajo Nation civil rights.

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I. ESTABLISHMENT

Pursuant to 2 N.N.C. § 920-924, the Navajo Nation Rights Commission is established within the Legislative Branch of the Navajo Nation government.

II. PURPOSE

It is the purpose of the Commission to:

  1. Conduct public hearings in/near border towns to assess the state-of-affairs between Navajos and non-Navajos.
  2. Investigate written complaints involving discrimination of Navajo citizens.
  3. Network with local, state, national and international groups and advocate for recognition of Navajo human rights.
  4. Educate the public about human rights and the Navajo Nation's intolerance of human rights violations.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY
  1. The Commission shall have the responsibility and authority necessary to carry out its plan of operation consistent with applicable laws of the Navajo Nation.
  2. The Commission shall have the specific responsibilities and authorities enumerated below:
    1. To hire and supervise an Executive Director of the Commission in accordance with the Navajo Nation Personnel Policies Manual.
    2. To assist with investigations and conduct hearings for recommendations involving discrimination of Navajo Nation citizens.
    3. To serve as the primary Navajo Nation entity for issues involving race relations of the Navajo Nation, subject to applicable laws.
    4. To establish effective relationships with local, national and international human rights organizations.
    5. To request and obtain information from citizens of the Navajo Nation with respect to discriminatory actions and the violation of human rights.
    6. To subpoena documents and witnesses and compel their attendance to testify before the Commission, subject to applicable laws and principles of due process.
IV. STAFFING AND ORGANIZATION
  1. STAFFING -EDIT

There is established the position of Executive Director of the Navajo Human Rights Commission. The Executive Director shall be under the general direction of the Commission and authorized to oversee daily operations, coordinate hearings, analyze data, write reports, and supervise staff.

All personnel shall be employed and compensated in accordance with the Navajo Nation Personnel Policies Manual.

  1. ORGANIZATION

The organization chart of the Commission is displayed as Exhibit A-1.

THE COMMISSION

The Commission shall consist of five qualified commissioners appointed by the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council and confirmed by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee per 2 N.N.C. § 922(A).

  1. One member with an extensive background in education.
  2. One member with an extensive background in business.
  3. One member with an extensive background in law enforcement.
  4. One member with an extensive background in social services.
  5. One at-large Navajo Nation member.

OFFICERS

  1. The Commission shall select officers from its membership, including a chairperson and vice-chairperson.
  2. Officers shall serve according to rules adopted by the Commission.
  3. The chairperson shall vote only to break tie votes.

TERM OF OFFICE

  1. Commissioners are appointed to four-year terms.
  2. Vacancies shall be filled by new appointments for the remainder of the term.

STANDARD OF CONDUCT

  1. Commissioners are held to a fiduciary standard, promoting human rights and fiscal responsibility.
  2. Duties must be carried out with prudence, skill, and diligence.

REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

Commissioners may be removed by majority vote for reasons including:

  1. Willful misconduct.
  2. Gross negligence.
  3. Three unexcused absences.

MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES

  1. Meetings shall follow Navajo Nation Council Standing Committee Rules until new rules are adopted.
  2. The Commission shall meet at least monthly.
  3. Special and executive sessions may be held when necessary.
  4. Meetings are open to the public, unless a closed executive session is approved by majority vote.
  5. Meeting notices must be published 10 days in advance via radio, Navajo Times, or official website.
  6. Meetings require a quorum and notice publication.

QUORUM

Three members constitute a quorum. Actions require majority vote of a quorum and certification by presiding officer.

COMPENSATION

Commissioners receive no compensation except for authorized expense reimbursement per 2 N.N.C. § 922(B).

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  1. Organize public hearings on discrimination and race relations.
  2. Collect data and refer incidents to proper authorities.
  3. Submit annual reports to the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and Council.
  4. Complete Commission assignments promptly.
  5. Formulate and implement operational policies.
V. INDEMNIFICATION

The Navajo Nation shall indemnify Commissioners acting in their official capacity, except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or bad faith.

VI. LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT

The Commission shall operate under the legislative oversight of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee per 2 N.N.C. § 923.

VII. AMENDMENTS

This plan of operation may be amended by the Navajo Nation Council on recommendation from the Commission and Intergovernmental Relations Committee under 2 N.N.C. § 923.