The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the Navajo Nation officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), aiming to improve health outcomes for Tribal members by enhancing data sharing and public health coordination between both parties.
The MOA grants the Navajo Nation expanded access to and the ability to analyze health data pertinent to its Tribal members. This access will empower the Navajo Nation to identify and address specific health disparities and develop culturally responsive programs to enhance community well-being.
The signing ceremony, held in Window Rock, Ariz., was attended by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, along with personnel from both the Navajo Department of Health (NDOH) and the NMDOH.
“Health has been one of my biggest priorities,” Nygren said. “To make progress in life, you need to be aligned spiritually—whether through traditional values, Native American Church, or faith-based organizations. Whether it’s physical or mental health, you must stay on top of it to be the best mom, dad, student, or grandkid.”
Nygren underscored the Navajo Nation’s commitment, through initiatives led by the Navajo Epidemiology Center, to improve the health of its people. He expressed a vision of “returning to the days when our grandparents lived to be over a hundred years old, free from preventable nutrition-related diseases, hantavirus and other health issues.”
The Navajo Department of Health is concurrently highlighting its new initiative, “Navajos Healing Navajos,” which focuses on addressing systemic health challenges such as hantavirus, infant mortality, substance abuse and sexual health, relying heavily on data analysis and tracking.
“Data is powerful,” NMDOH Tribal Liaison Janet Johnson said. “When shared responsibly and ethically, it becomes a vital tool for addressing health disparities and shaping culturally responsive programs. This agreement ensures data is used in a way that protects sensitive information and upholds Tribal sovereignty, while empowering leaders to make informed decisions.”
Johnson described the agreement as “a symbol of mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all communities. It reflects the values of the State Tribal Collaboration Act and reinforces a government-to-government relationship rooted in transparency, self-determination, and accountability.”
Sherylene Yazzie, NDOH Executive Director, said that the MOA “will enhance state and Tribal partnerships to provide healthier Tribal communities.” She added that the agreement outlines protocols for ethical, secure data use and establishes a framework for sustained collaboration, enabling both governments to better understand community health trends, respond to emerging issues, and coordinate public health strategies that honor cultural values and priorities.
Johnson called the signing ceremony “another step in building a deepening partnership built on service, respect, and a shared purpose to protect the health of the people. This is a proud step forward—and a powerful example of what we can achieve together.”