Utah Division of Indian Affairs

Navajo Nation Voter Registration Available at Utah Division of Indian Affairs

TIME & LOCATION
Thursday, June 11
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Utah Division of Indian Affairs Office
North Capitol Building
450 N. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84114

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO BRING (Name must match on all physical documents)
Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB)
Social Security Card
Driver’s License or State-Issued ID

Please contact Rozanna at 801-715-6706/[email protected] or James at 801-715-6702/[email protected] to make an appointment. For further information about your voter status, please contact a Navajo Nation Agency Election Office.

Now Accepting Nominations: 2026 Indigenous Youth Leadership Program Changemaker Award

The Utah Division of Indian Affairs is proud to recognize six outstanding Indigenous youth leaders who are making a positive impact in their Tribal Nations and communities.

We are seeking nominations for American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 14–24 who demonstrate leadership through:

• Cultural Preservation and Promotion
• Community Service and Engagement
• Academic Excellence and Career Growth

Nominations may be submitted by Tribal leaders, educators, mentors, family members, community members, or through self-nomination. Supporting documentation and video submissions are welcome.
Nominations Open: June 10
Nomination Deadline: June 30 at 11:59 PM

Award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Utah Native American Summit on July 31 at Utah Valley University.

Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/UufkvbrHVyfJXfGS6

Submit Nominations To: [email protected]

Help us celebrate the next generation of Indigenous leaders who are strengthening sovereignty through CommUNITY.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Utah Native American Summit!
Mark your calendars: July 31, 7 am to 5 pm.
Location: Utah Valley University, Orem, UT

Join us for a day of learning, inspiration, and community connection! Attend Informative sessions with state and local organizations, inspiring speakers, engaging breakout sessions, cultural performances, and refreshments.

Important Reminders:
Register by July 23 for a conference bag, and a personalized name badge!
Be sure to register each individual attending.
If registering a youth attendee, please answer all required questions.

Registration Timeline:
Opens: June 8
Closes: July 17
Click this link to register: https://www.strideevents.com/events/utah-native-american-summit/2026/tickets

Please visit indian.utah.gov to register or for more information.

25th Navajo Nation Council honors Navajo Nation Memorial Day

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council honors Navajo Nation Memorial Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices of Navajo ancestors, veterans, and fallen warriors whose courage, resilience, and service continue to shape the Nation today.

Formerly known as Treaty Day, Navajo Nation Memorial Day commemorates the 158th anniversary of the Treaty of 1868, signed on June 1, 1868, by Navajo leaders and the United States government, ending the Diné people's exile and incarceration at Fort Sumner following the Long Walk.

The Treaty secured our people's return to their ancestral homeland and established the foundation for the Navajo Nation’s enduring sovereignty and self-governance. The day also serves as a solemn remembrance of Navajo service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their people, their homeland, and the United States.

On Navajo Nation Memorial Day, the 25th Navajo Nation Council calls upon the Nation to reflect on the hardships endured by Diné ancestors while also celebrating the perseverance, resilience, and strength that enabled the Navajo people to return home, rebuild, and thrive across generations. The observance recognizes the sacrifices that ensured the survival of the Navajo people and honors the generations who have strengthened the Nation through service, leadership, and perseverance.

“Today, we honor the strength, prayers, and sacrifices of our ancestors who endured unimaginable hardship to ensure the survival of our people,” said Speaker Curley. “The Treaty of 1868 affirms our sovereignty and our enduring connection to our homeland. We also remember the many Navajo warriors who gave their lives in service and the families who continue to carry their memory with pride, dignity, and love. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The 25th Navajo Nation Council recognizes Navajo Nation Memorial Day as an opportunity to educate younger generations about the significance of the Treaty of 1868 and the history of Navajo military service. The Council also recognizes that the prayers, resilience, and sacrifices of Diné ancestors continue to guide the Nation’s pursuit of self-determination and prosperity.

The 25th Navajo Nation Council further recognizes the families of fallen service members whose sacrifices and strength endure long after military service ends. Their commitment to preserving the memory and legacy of loved ones remains an important part of Navajo Nation Memorial Day observances and the Nation’s collective remembrance.

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Will Locklear joined the Utah Division of Indian Affairs in March 2026 as the division’s cultural liaison. Born and raised in Pembroke, North Carolina, he is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. His lived experience in his Tribal community sparked his lifelong goal of serving Indigenous communities and honoring Tribal sovereignty.

Prior to this role, he worked for nearly 10 years in financial analysis and legal compliance regulation for various companies throughout Utah County. He is currently completing his MBA at the University of Utah. He holds a degree from Brigham Young University in Italian. He lived in Northern Italy for two years which fueled his passion for learning languages and connecting with cultures outside of his own.

Outside of his professional life, Will enjoys spending time outdoors, collecting sneakers, watching sports, and traveling. He lives in American Fork with his wife Jessica and three daughters. He is excited to bridge his administrative expertise with his dedication to better serve Utah’s eight federally recognized Tribal nations.

Save the date, July 31, for our 2026 Utah Native American Summit! Our division is hosting this annual event in partnership with Utah Valley University.

Utah’s Native American Summit uniquely brings together state and Tribal leaders, community stakeholders, and engaged citizens to delve into the pressing matters and challenges facing Utah’s American Indian population. Join us as we come together to explore, learn, and ignite change.

Thanks to our partner, Utah Valley University, for providing this space to offer this impactful event. Continue to follow our website, indian.utah.gov, Facebook and Instagram pages, for updates.

The Utah Division of Indian Affairs invites you to the 2026 American Indian Day on the Hill! Join us at the Utah State Capitol for a day dedicated to community, civic engagement, and cultural pride. This is your opportunity to:

- Navigate the legislative process with confidence.
- Connect with state agencies and community organizations.
- Celebrate the rich heritage of Utah’s Tribal Nations.

Meet our 2026 Speakers & Presenters. We are proud to host leaders and experts dedicated to civic engagement and community growth:
-Rachel Brooks: Legislative Process 101, Policy Analyst
-Edna Steele: Vice Chairwoman, Confederated Tribes of the Goshute
-Kyri Ungatavinekent Duncan: Northern Ute, Cultural Song Bearer
-Naakai Tsosie: Diné, Hoop Dancer

To read more about our speakers and presenters, visit https://indian.utah.gov/day-on-the-hill-2026/

Online registration for Utah American Indian Day on the Hill is now closed, but don’t worry - onsite registration will be available!

When: Thursday, Jan. 27 | 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Utah State Capitol Rotunda
What to Expect:
- Inspiring speakers
- Engaging cultural presentations
- An exciting exhibitor stroll
- Light refreshments

Get more details at indian.utah.gov/utah-american-indian-day-on-the-hill. Questions?

Contact [email protected] or 801-715-6702

Utah Legislative Session Begins Jan. 20, 2026!

The 2026 Utah Legislative Session starts on Jan. 20. It is important for American Indian communities to learn and engage in the decisions that impact your house and senate districts.

Finding your legislators from your area is easy: Visit https://le.utah.gov/ to locate your legislators and learn how you can stay updated on key legislative matters.