Understanding how the Fundamental Laws fits into the Policy-Making and Policy-Analysis Processes of the Navajo Nation

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Understanding how the Fundamental Laws fits into
the Policy-Making andPolicy-Analysis Processes
of the Navajo Nation

• Diné Policy Institute
• Diné College

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Mission of Diné Policy Institute

• Under the traditional Navajo laws, customs and
• usage, Diné Policy Institute will provide
  resources
• and quality research to facilitate and analyze
  issues
• and educate all people, to enhance and ensure
• that well-reasoned policies are developed to
  protect
• the sovereignty and cultural integrity of the
• N7hook11 Dine4, in order to renew the
  principles
• and values of S2ah Naaghai Bik4h H0zh00n.

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Current Process of Policy Making in the Navajo
Nation
A NNC Council Delegate sponsors a bill.
The bill goes before the NNC for debate and vote
Office of Legislative Council generates a
proposed written bill.
The bill then before the Ethics Rules
Committee to be placed on the NNC agenda
The Speakers Office determines which Committee
it comes before
Sponsor of the bill must appear before
designated committee (s) and advocate for the
bill.
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The Fundamental Laws

• Natural Law
• Nahasdzáán dóó Yádilhil bitsáádéé beehazáanii
• Traditional Law
• Diyin bitsáádéé beehazáanii

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The Fundamental Laws

• Customary Law
• Diyin Dineé bitsáádéé beehazáanii
• Common Law
• Diyin Nohookáá Dineé bitsáádéé beehazáanii

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Worldview and methods
Navajo Worldview
Navajo Principles, Values, Philosophies
Navajo Methods for analysis
Source Te Wananga Raukawa
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Normative Policy-Making Process for the Navajo
Nation
6. The bill goes before the NNC for debate and
vote. F.L and ké explicitly considered
1. A NNC Council Delegate sponsors a bill.
2. Office of Legislative Council generates a
proposed written bill. Fundamental Law and ké
must be considered explicitly
5. The bill then before the Ethics Rules
Committee to be placed on the NNC agenda
4. Sponsor of the bill must appear before
designated committee (s) and advocate for the
bill. Fundamental Law and ké must be considered
explicitly.
3. The Speakers Office determines which
Committee it comes before
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Developing a Navajo Policy Analysis Model

• A model based on Navajo thought is necessary to
  fully utilize the principles articulated by the
  fundamental law.
• Without a model, the principles of the
  fundamental law is used cosmetically and not
  culturally appropriate.

Navajo
Western
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Balancing the worldviews
How do you mesh these two worldviews?
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
Navajo Thinking I am SNBH. I know ke. I treat
mother earth and all living things with reverence
and respect.
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Recommended Policy Analysis based on Navajo
values and Experience Model 1
Define the Problem Jiní and Bee eí dahozin
Evaluation
Formulate Goals Hozhooji and Naayeeji (Long-term
and Short-term)
Implementation Spiritual, Economic, Social,
Environmental
Data Collection and Analysis Think it
through Spiritual, Economic, Social,
Environmental
Decision with consensus Talk with
Traditional experts
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Normative Policy Analysis Process baa hw77n7t9
Model 2
Define an1hot9
Reflection
Implementation and Evaluation
Statement of Problem Anáhot 9 Nabikiyát 9
Solution by consensus
Data Collection and Analysis Findings bee 4í
dah0zin
Nahatah
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Ahxehee