𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀’ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – A powerful demonstration of unity, cultural pride, and civic engagement brought horseback riders together on Monday, Oct. 12, for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Solidarity Ride, an initiative encouraging Native Americans to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined riders from several tribal nations for the approximately 10-mile horseback ride, beginning at the Summit west of Window Rock and making their way toward the Department of Diné Education in the Navajo Nation capital. The event brought together horseback riders, runners, and walkers in a shared expression of cultural pride, solidarity, and community. Leading the group on horseback was Diné advocate Allie Young, Founder and Executive Director of Protect the Sacred, the Native youth-led organization behind the Solidarity Ride. Among those participating in the day’s activities were actor and cultural advocate Mo Brings Plenty, country music artist Dzaki Sukarno, and Pete Sands, creator of the Emmy-winning children’s television series Navajo Highways. President Nygren emphasized the importance of Native voices in shaping the future of tribal communities and the nation. “Our ancestors fought for generations to protect our rights, our sovereignty, and our way of life. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can honor their sacrifices. When we cast our ballots, we are standing up for our families, our communities, and the generations yet to come. Our voices matter, and we must never take that right for granted.” Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect Navajo communities, Protect the Sacred has grown into an organization empowering Native youth through leadership development, advocacy, civic engagement, and cultural preservation. Through initiatives such as Ride for Democracy, Protect the Sacred continues to encourage Native voter participation, empower young Indigenous leaders, and strengthen tribal sovereignty through cultural traditions and civic engagement. The nonpartisan Solidarity Ride also highlighted the importance of ensuring Native voices are heard, particularly in rural communities where access to voting can present challenges. The day concluded with a community celebration at the Navajo Nation Museum, featuring live music, food, and youth activities, bringing people together through cultural connection and a shared commitment to ensuring Native voices are heard.

⚠️ 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘, 𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗝𝗢 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 According to the National Weather Service, tropical moisture combined with storm systems will produce widespread showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall falling over already saturated areas could result in flooding of washes, creeks, streams, low-water crossings and roadways. ARIZONA: A Flood Watch remains in effect through Tuesday evening across much of northern Arizona. Navajo Nation communities and areas included in the watch include Window Rock, Fort Defiance, Chinle, Canyon de Chelly, Kayenta, Ganado, Shonto, Tuba City, Black Mesa, Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Dilkon, Sanders and surrounding communities. NEW MEXICO: A Flood Watch is in effect from Monday afternoon through late Tuesday night across western and northwestern New Mexico. For the Navajo Nation region, this includes the Northwest Plateau, Chuska Mountains, Far Northwest Highlands, Northwest Highlands and West Central Plateau, including areas around Farmington and Gallup and extending westward toward the Arizona state line. UTAH: A Flood Watch is in effect from Monday morning through early Wednesday across southeastern Utah. Navajo Nation communities and nearby areas include Goulding, Mexican Hat, Halchita, Aneth, Montezuma Creek and surrounding areas. Residents should use caution around washes, creeks, streams, low-water crossings and flood-prone roadways. Unpaved roads may become muddy or impassable, and water levels can rise quickly during periods of heavy rainfall. Please remain weather aware, avoid water-covered roadways, use caution while traveling and continue monitoring official National Weather Service and Navajo Nation emergency updates throughout the day. Stay safe, stay alert and check on relatives and neighbors who may need assistance. ☎️ EMERGENCY & WEATHER INFORMATION For emergencies, call 911. For information or assistance, contact the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management at (928) 871-6892. ⚡ Electricity/Utility Outages: Contact the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) at 1-800-528-5011 to report an outage or utility emergency.