Diné Policy Institute

University of New MexicoOctober 8, 2007

History

2005 Navajo Nation Council and Diné College create “Diné Policy Institute” to research and examine contemporary problems from a Navajo Perspective

We work to research how the “Foundational Laws of the Diné” could be better incorporated into the Navajo Nation governmental process

Diné Policy Institute’s Mission and Purpose

Through Sa’ah Naaghái Bik’eh Hozhóón, the Diné Policy Institute provides quality research and well-

reasoned policy recommendations to the Navajo Nation government.

DPI framework

NihigáálEconomic

Policy Research

Alhaánaá’ooniil

Social, Educational and

Family Policy Research

Siihasin

Environmental Policy Research

Bik’ehgo Da’iinaanii

Research in Navajo Ethics

and Spirituality

Key DPI assumptions1. Problems exist within current system

of research and analysis.2. Research must be based in Dine’

thinking Dine’ bintsekees.3. Research based in Dine’ thinking is

culturally appropriate.

Theoretical Assumptions Dominant ‘western’ ontology and

epistemology does not fit with Dine’ thinking. Western ontology is unconsciously utilized in many

analysis processes within the Navajo Nation.

Dine’ ontology and epistemology based on key concepts such as K’e can inform analysis processes in the Navajo Nation.

Using such foundational concepts as K’e in the analysis process can be called culturally appropriate.

Balancing the worldviews

Navajo Thinking:

I am SNBH. I knowk’e. I treat mother

earthand all living things

withreverence and

respect.

Western Thinking:I am an individual.I treat people with

respect so long as it fits into my plans. I treat the

earth with respect insomuch as I can

benefit

How do you “mesh” these two worldviews?

‘Cultural Appropriate’

Myth: If a Native American does it, it is culturally appropriate.

DPI examines this notion of cultural appropriate and seeks to move beyond the current understanding.

Cultural Appropriate1. Identify driving assumptions of the

process or method being used.2. Identify the world view that motivate

those particular assumptions.3. Ask, “Does this fit with indigenous

notions of the world?”

Cultural Appropriate cont’d4. Identify particular indigenous

worldview.5. Identify key assumptions that motive

and inform that worldview.6. Ask, “Are these values/assumptions

being sacrificed? If so, to what extent?”

Research Areas Economic Development Social/Governmental Development Educational Development Environmental Development

Past Projects

Response to Desert Rock Environmental Impact Statement--from the perspective of the “Foundational Laws of the Diné”

Wal-Mart Position Papers Navajo Values vis-à-vis uranium

mining Extension of Council Delegate term.

Economic Policy:

Navajo notions of ‘taxation’ and ‘poverty’ Elimination of sales tax on Food Assessment of Navajo Nation Tax system Economic Development Workshops Sustainable Development Conference Waivers of Sovereign Immunity Intellectual Property Rights Creation of Economic and Market Union ‘638’ contracting

Social and Governmental Policy Government Reform Project Females in the Navajo Work Place Assessment of Gaming Initiatives Health issues Family issues Partnership Project with other

institutions

Research in Foundational Laws Foundational Paper on K’e Democratic notions in Navajo Navajo Policy analysis methods Foundational Paper on SNBH

Environmental Policy Desert Rock Uranium in the Navajo Nation Land and grazing issues and reform Water rights and resources Global Warming

Internship ProgramPurpose:1. To provide experience to Native

students in working in Indian country;

2. To help students utilize skills in culturally appropriate ways;

3. To help students identify ways to come back to their Nations.

Interns Internship will include research and

analysis of issues pertinent to SNBH, and how current Navajo decision-making processes, Navajo society (including sub-sets), and Navajo government are affected by external influences.

This will include working with the Navajo governmental, educational, religious, and economic systems of the Navajo Nation.

Government Reform Project

Slides prepared by Wendy Greyeyes, University of Chicago

History of the project

Mandate from speaker, 8/07

Recommend for NNC an “Alternative Government” that reflects Navajo culture, Navajo values, and Navajo political characterDue: 12/07

What’s in the Recommendations?

Present several “alternative governments” to the Speaker by December 15, 2007

The models must be backed-up by research and built to consider: Historical Transitions Contemporary Challenges Other Government Forms

UNM’s Role The Native American Studies program

at UNM offers an opportunity for collaboration with DPI on this project

Research Interns will assist in developing several models of “Alternative Government,” participate in Nation building

Interns will participate in the research design and conduct field work

Other Collaborators Dine College student interns BYU graduate student Interns University of Chicago Researcher UCLA American Indian Studies

graduate students Russian President Vladimir Putin

Research Outline There are 5 segments of the research

design Historical Transitions: An Evolvement of NN

Government Contemporary Challenges to NN Government Comparing Our Government: An Examination

of Other Government Forms The Alternative Government Models Implementation

Research Outline UNM students will assist with the following:

Segment I: Historical Transitions: An Evolvement of NN Government

Segment II: Contemporary Challenges to NN Government

Contemporary ReviewPerspective Research Topics

What are some challenges to the current government? What are the demographics of the existing population

affected by the current government? Are the Foundational Laws meaningful for the Navajo

Nation government? What are some failures and/or successes of the

Foundational Laws of the Diné What is the role of civil society in our current

government

Diagram Current Gov.

Show in an image of sources of power

Show how power and decisions are made

Show where the constraints are in the system

Segment 2: Contemporary ReviewIncorporate Final Report with Segment

1 Submit to DPI by end of Spring Semester Final Report should be clear and concise Citations should be clear

How this will look?Team Meetings For questions regarding the research

pursuit contact: Andrew Curleyapcurley@dinecollege.edu

Weekly team meetings will be done via conference phone

Full Reporting all efforts of research and accomplished sections

Axhe’ hee’If you have any further questions

contact

Diné Policy Institute

Diné College, Tsaile AZ--86556 (928) 724-6945