Understanding how the
Fundamental Laws fits into the
Policy-Making and
Policy-Analysis Processes of the
Navajo Nation
Diné Policy Institute
Diné College
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
N7’hook11’ Dine’4’, in order to renew the principles
and values of S2’ah Naaghai Bik’4h H0zh00n.
Current Process of Policy Making in the Navajo Nation
A NNC Council
Delegate
sponsors a bill.
Office of Legislative Council
generates
a proposed
written bill.
The Speaker’s Office
determines
which Committee it
comes before
The bill goes
before the NNC for
debate and vote
The bill then before the
Ethics & Rules Committee
to be placed on the
NNC agenda
Sponsor of the bill must
appear before
designated committee (s)
and advocate for the bill.
The Fundamental Laws
1. Natural Law:
• Nahasdzáán dóó
Yádilhil bitsáádéé’
beehaz’áanii
2. Traditional Law:
• Diyin bitsáádéé’
beehaz’áanii
The Fundamental Laws
1. Customary Law:
• Diyin Dine’é
bitsáádéé’
beehaz’áanii
2. Common Law:
• Diyin Nohookáá
Dine’é bitsáádéé’
beehaz’áanii
Worldview and methods
Navajo
Worldview
Navajo
Principles, Values,
Philosophies
Navajo
Methods for analysis
Source: Te Wananga Raukawa
Normative Policy-Making Process for the Navajo Nation
1. A NNC Council Delegate
sponsors a bill.
2. Office of Legislative Council
generates a proposed
written bill.
Fundamental Law
and k’é must be considered
explicitly
3. The Speaker’s Office
determines
which Committee it
comes before
6. The bill goes before the NNC
for debate and vote. F.L and k’é
explicitly considered
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 k’é
must be considered explicitly.
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
Balancing the worldviews
How do you “mesh” these
two worldviews?
Navajo Thinking:
I am SNBH. I know
k’e. I treat mother
earth
and all living things
with
reverence 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
Recommended Policy Analysis based on Navajo values and Experience
Model 1
Define the Problem
Jiní and Bee eí dahozin
Formulate Goals:
Hozhooji and Naayeeji
(Long-term and Short-term)
Data Collection
and Analysis
“Think it through”:
Spiritual, Economic,
Social, Environmental
Evaluation
Implementation:
Spiritual, Economic,
Social, Environmental
Decision with
“consensus”:
Talk with Traditional
experts
Normative Policy Analysis Process baa hw77n7t’9
Model 2
Define an1hot’9
Statement of Problem
Anáhot’ 9 Nabik’iyát’ 9
Reflection
Implementation
and Evaluation
Solution by consensus
Data Collection
and Analysis
Findings
bee 4í dah0zin
Nahat’ah
Ahxe’hee