Navajo Nation to buy land, buildings in Washington

FARMINGTON — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has backed the tribe’s purchase of real estate in Washington, D.C.

Nez on Feb. 14 approved buying the land and its two structures at 11 D St. SE for approximately $4.89 million.

Proponents of the purchase have stated it will increase the tribe’s presence in the capital city and serve as a cost-saving measure by eliminating monthly rent for the Navajo Nation Washington Office.

Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer, Speaker Seth Damon and delegates Wilson Stewart Jr. and Rick Nez stated in a joint news release that the purchase will support the tribe’s advocacy to the federal government since it is located near the U.S. Capitol.

Nez and Lizer categorized the action as a “milestone” in Navajo history in a Feb. 14 letter to Damon.