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.