Window Rock Az

Government declines to try half of all major crimes involving Native Americans

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. | There was swelling on the little girl&#x2019;s skull and hemorrhages around her brain. The scars on her 36-pound body were consistent with burns from a space heater, a curling iron and hot noodles.</p><p> The medical examiner concluded that the brown-eyed toddler had been beaten, declaring her death a homicide. </p><p> Had 2-year-old Kiara Harvey died elsewhere the case likely would have been handled by the sheriff or police, and the local district attorney. </p><p> But Kiara lived on the expansive Navajo Nation. On tribal lands, only federal prosecutions can lead to serious penalties for major crimes involving Native Americans. Those prosecutors, however, end up declining to pursue half of the cases nationally. </p><p> &#x201C;No one speaks for that baby,&#x201D; said Bernadine Martin, the Navajo Nation&#x2019;s chief prosecutor. &#x201C;It&#x2019;s OK to kill her and go on because prosecutors apparently don&#x2019;t want to put a little more effort into investigations.&#x201D;</p><p> In the Arizona portion of the Navajo Nation, Kiara&#x2019;s case was one of 37 that federal prosecutors declined to take during a nine-month period last year, an Associated Press review found. The AP&#x2019;s analysis found the reasons to be poor evidence, reluctant witnesses and jurisdictional issues. Whatever the reasons, no one disputes that many people suspected of violent crimes are walking free on reservations. </p><p> The Justice Department has reported that crime rates experienced by Native Americans are 2&#xBD; times higher than those of the general population. </p><p> In the Navajo Nation capital of Window Rock, the Navajo prosecutor keeps the Kiara Harvey case rejection letter handy. Both of the parents denied any abuse.</p><p> The Navajo prosecutor holds out hope for a tribal prosecution in Kiara&#x2019;s case: &#x201C;We&#x2019;re going to make our best effort to let the public know you can&#x2019;t kill your kid and get away with it.&#x201D;</p><p> Kiara has now been dead longer than she was alive. Martin knows she must act quickly. The tribe&#x2019;s three-year statute of limitations &#x2014; the last chance to file charges &#x2014; expires Monday.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. | There was swelling on the little girl’s skull and hemorrhages around her brain. The scars on her 36-pound body were consistent with burns from a space heater, a curling iron and hot noodles.

Kayenta Today » The Shelly-Jim Administration Announces Leadership ...

The Shelly-Jim Administration Announces Leadership and Service Internship Program for Navajo Students

June 20, 2011

Posted in: Information , Navajo Nation

Window Rock, AZ— The Shelly-Jim Administration today announced they are accepting student applications for the President’s Program for Leadership and Service, a year-round internship and mentorship program within the executive office. It was created to help young professionals gain invaluable work experience and to build leadership skills.

President Shelly said, “We looking to recruit future Navajo leaders from high schools and colleges, who want to gain hands-on experience by working with our executive staff and learn how our three-branch tribal government operates.”

The internship program will train students to handle daily office duties, utilize writing, research and computer skills, attend public meetings, and network with other divisions and departments.

Interested high school students and enrolled college students can apply through the Navajo Nation’s Workforce Development and Summer Youth Employment Program at:  (928) 871-6974, ask for Janis Damon, or email: jdamon@ndwd.org .  Please list the president’s office as your work preference, as space is limited. 

Applicants must submit the following:

Mail applications to: Alray Nelson, Program Director, Office of the President & Vice President, The Navajo Nation, P.O. Box 7440, Window Rock, AZ 86515.  For more information call: (928) 810-8505 or email: anelson@navajo-nsn.gov . Applications will be accepted year-round.

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