“The Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker is accepting applications for Commissioners to be selected to the Navajo Nation Green Economy Commission. The Commission is established under the Legislative Branch of the Navajo Nation government, and will fund “green” businesses, community projects, and initiatives on the Navajo Nation. (For additional information on the Commission, read Legislation No. 179-09 on www.navajonationcouncil.org, under “downloads”.) The Commission shall consist of five commissioners. Commissioners shall include persons with extensive knowledge of green economics, with reputable and established backgrounds in such fields as business, economics, environmental science, health, construction, agriculture, traditional Navajo culture, Navajo community development, and tribal, state, and federal governmental operations. The Commission shall include a diverse representation of the Navajo Nation and shall include the following: a Navajo Non-Governmental Organization representative, a youth representative (18 to 30 years old), and at least two female commissioners. The Commissioners shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council and confirmed by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Commissioners will serve staggered terms. Of the first Commission, three will serve for two years, three will serve three years and one will serve a four year term. Thereafter, all commissioners will serve four year terms or until the Speaker appoints a replacement for an expired term. All Commissioners shall be enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Commissioner shall not be paid for their service other than to be reimbursed for required and authorized expenses incurred in performance of their duties.

Complete application includes letter of interest and resume, and can be mailed to: Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker, Attn: Natasha Johnson, PO Box 3390, Window Rock, AZ 86515. Email submissions are accepted, and can be sent to njohnson@navajo.org. Complete application is due by Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 4 p.m. Call 928-871-7160 to confirm application was received.”

• Review of applications will be Friday, September 4, 2009.
• Final recommendations to Speaker Morgan will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
• Speaker Morgan will select final appointees and make recommendation for confirmation by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee. TBA.
• Letter of notice to selected commissioners will be sent out immediately upon approval. TBA.

The Navajo Nation Council made history during its 21st Summer Session July 20-24 by passing groundbreaking green jobs legislation. The Council voted 62-1 to establish a Navajo Green Economy Commission, a five-person commission that will seek funding and oversee the approval of small-scale green projects such as wool mills, farmers markets and home weatherization. The Council also voted to create a Navajo Green Economy Fund, which creates an account for receiving federal, state, local, and private funds to make these green projects possible.

Over forty supporters of the legislation, many of them in their late teens and twenties, gathered in Window Rock to urge the Council to pass the two bills. Wearing green t-shirts and waving green flags, the supporters marched into Council session on Tuesday, July 21, to make their presence known and to demand Council delegates’ attention. As passage of the legislation became evident, the supporters stood and cheered enthusiastically.

At a press conference following the vote, Delegate Jonathan Nez remarked on the power the young supporters had in making this effort possible. "Your legislation shows that grassroots people can persuade their lawmakers. I see a lot of young people getting involved in their government here; it’s a component that’s missing from the Navajo Nation government."

The Navajo Green Economy Coalition worked with Navajo Nation Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan, chief sponsor of the legislation, for over a year to secure delegates’ support and educate members of the community about the importance of promoting green jobs on the Navajo Nation. After the legislation was tabled in April during the Council’s Spring Session, members of the Coalition worked with the Speaker’s legislative staff and other delegate sponsors to clarify the intent of the legislation and spread the word about the vast opportunities that would become available once the Commission and Fund are established.

jobs,” said Wahleah Johns, Co-Director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition and a member of the Navajo Green Economy Coalition. “It shows the Council can reflect the opinion of the people they represent.”

The bills must now be signed into law by President Joe Shirley, Jr.

Read the Navajo Nation Council Press Release

What is a green job?

Green jobs are well-paid jobs created by sustainable businesses and/or industries that are low- or non-polluting. Green jobs respect traditional Diné culture and Mother Earth.

Navajo Green Jobs mean:
• Fair wages, Navajo economic self-sufficiency and a transition to a sustainable economy.
• Opportunity for families, Chapters and individuals to establish local green businesses.
• More jobs for youth, students, veterans, fathers, and mothers to work close to home on the Navajo Nation.

Navajo Green Jobs Funding would support:
• Community renewable energy projects.
• Green manufacturing, such as wool mills.
• Energy efficiency projects, such as weatherizing homes, sustainable water projects.
• Local business ventures, such as weavers’ co-ops and green construction firms.
• Traditional agriculture, such as farmers markets and community gardens.
• Green job training programs, such as workforce development, green contractors and public service projects.

How can I get me a green job?

Support the Navajo Green Economy Coalition's Navajo Green Economy Plan!

Inform your Chapter leadership, Council Delegate, and community of this plan!

Get a Chapter Resolution passed in support of the Navajo Green Jobs plan at your home Chapter!

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