Health Update: Health Update: Advancing Local Fiscal Authority and Protecting Community-Driven Health Projects – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
SANTA FE, N.M. — On February 6, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with leadership from the Tohajiilee Health System of the Canoncito Band of Navajos to discuss strengthening local fiscal authority and protecting the community’s original vision for critical health and wellness infrastructure.
The meeting focused on advancing the ability of tribal organizations to serve as their own fiscal agents, allowing them to directly manage and implement projects. Leaders referenced Senate Bill 579, sponsored by former Sen. Leonard Tsosie, which authorizes tribal organizations in New Mexico to act as their own fiscal entities.
Participants emphasized that this authority is already established in state law and that the next step is to formally reaffirm and clarify this authority with state leadership.
Participants discussed a support letter to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration affirming President Nygren’s support for Alamo Chapter and Tohajiilee schools to operate as their own fiscal agents. The letter will include signatures from the President, Attorney General, and Speaker Curley to demonstrate unified tribal leadership support.
Funding priorities were also addressed, including a pending $2 million reimbursement from Sihasin Funds for health-related infrastructure. Leaders raised concerns about delays in reimbursement and the need for clearer coordination with the Division of Community Development, including the designation of consistent points of contact.
Discussion also centered on a $4 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) allocation originally intended for a Wellness Center. Leaders expressed concern that a de facto board had altered the project language to “health wellness center,” creating confusion about the project’s scope and intent. With a valid board now in place, leaders reaffirmed the community’s desire to move forward with the original Wellness Center vision. A formal letter to state officials and the TIF board was identified as a necessary next step to protect that intent.
President Nygren reaffirmed his commitment to local control, fiscal accountability, and ensuring that community resolutions and priorities remain central to all development decisions.