Press Release Archive

Public service announcement

December 30, 2021: The Window Rock District Court and Administrative Office of the Courts building in Window Rock, Ariz., is closed beginning December 28, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. to January 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Read public service announcement.

Two hour delay

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be on a two-hour delay December 29, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. due to inclement weather conditions throughout the Navajo Nation.

Public service announcements

December 6, 2021: The Window Rock District Court and Administrative Office of the Courts building in Window Rock, Ariz., is closed Monday, December 6, 2021, through December 7, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. The Window Rock District Court will temporarily operate out of its hearing room at the Butler building located next to the Navajo Nation Vital Records Office. All court hearings will be held by teleconference until further notice. The Window Rock District Court may be contacted by telephone at (928) 206-7469 or email at nnwrcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. Read public service announcement.

December 1, 2021: The Ramah Judicial District building is closed December 1, 2021, to December 14, 2021. Essential services will continue to be provided and staff will be working remotely during this time. To contact the Ramah Court during the building closure, please call (385) 327-3218. Ramah Probation can be reached at (505) 862-9250 and Ramah Peacemaking can be reached at (928) 797-1316. Court filings, documents and written correspondence may be emailed to nnrmcourt@navajonsn.gov or faxed to (505) 786-2086. The public may also call the court at (385) 327-3218 to arrange for filing. Read more.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed on Thursday, November 24-26, 2021. Courts and programs of the Judicial Branch will resume essential services Monday, November 29, 2021.

November 17, 2021: (Corrected date) The Navajo Nation Alamo Court is closed Thursday, November 18, 2021, through Monday, November 22, 2021, at 1 p.m. The preferred method of contact to the Alamo Court at this time is email to nnalcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. The To'Hajiilee Court will take telephone messages for the Alamo Court at (505) 908-2817. Read public service announcement

November 8, 2021: The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed on Thursday, November 11, 2021 in recognition of Veterans Day. Courts and programs of the Judicial Branch will resume essential services Friday, November 12, 2021.

October 25, 2021: The Navajo Nation Supreme Court, the Window Rock District Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts are resuming essential services operations from their building in Window Rock, Ariz., as of October 25, 2021. As a reminder, essential services are being provided by the courts and programs of the Judicial Branch but all judicial facilities are closed to the public. See public service announcement.

October 22, 2021: The Window Rock District Court and Administrative Office of the Courts buildings in Window Rock, Ariz., are closed Friday, October 22, 2021, until further notice. The Navajo Nation Supreme Court is closed beginning Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 4:20 p.m. until further notice. Read public service announcement.

Corrected FY 2021 Fourth Quarterly Report issued

October 21, 2021: A corrected Judicial Branch Fourth Quarterly Report for Fiscal Year 2021 has been issued to correct statistical errors. The corrections and information on General Funds expenditure have been updated to reflect the most recent information available. The corrected and updated FY 2021 Fourth Quarterly Report is now available on the Branch Reports page of this website.

Navajo Nation Council passes supplemental funding, Chief Justice delivers quarterly message

October 19, 2021: The Judicial Branch thanks the Navajo Nation Council and Speaker Seth Damon for the passage of Legislation 0190-21 during the Council's Fall Session on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. The legislation includes a supplemental appropriation of $961,438 for the unmet needs of Judicial Branch districts and programs. The legislation goes to the President of the Navajo Nation for his action upon certification. Also during the Fall Session, Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne delivered her quarterly message to the Navajo Nation Council on Monday, October 18, 2021. Read more.

Judicial Branch releases FY2021 4th Quarterly Report

October 18, 2021: The Judicial Branch has released its Fourth Quarterly Report for Fiscal Year 2021. The report covers the period from July 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021, and is available under the Branch Reports tab on this page.

Judicial Branch seeking applicants for nomination to Commission on Navajo Government Development

October 15, 2021: The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is seeking applicants for nomination of membership on the Commission on Navajo Government Development. Pursuant to 2 N.N.C. § 972 (A)(2), one member of the Commission "shall be nominated by the Judicial Branch through the Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation to serve a term of two years from the date of confirmation by the Navajo Nation Council; the nominee shall be a licensed attorney and a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association. All interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume to Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne, P.O. Box 1779, Window Rock, AZ, 86515, by November 12, 2021. See announcement.October 4, 2021: Aneth Judicial District has resumed providing essential services at its court facility. As a reminder, all judicial facilities remain closed to the public but the courts and programs continue to provide essential services.

Public service announcements

September 30, 2021: Crownpoint Judicial District contact and filing information will be slightly different for Thursday, September 30, 2021 and Friday, October 1, 2021. Entrance into the physical court building remains closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court be may be contacted by email at nncpcourt@navajo-nsn.gov (preferred method)or by phone through Ramah Judicial District Court at 505-775-3218. Read more.

September 30, 2021: The Aneth Judicial District facility is closed Thursday, September 30, 2021, until further notice. The preferred method of contact to the Aneth Judicial District Court at this time is email to anethcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. The Shiprock Judicial District Court will take telephone messages for the Aneth Judicial District Court at (505) 368-1270. Read more.September 16, 2021: The Ramah Judicial District building is closed September 16, 2021 to September 17, 2021. The Ramah District Court will reopen on September 21, 2021, for essential services only. The Crownpoint Judicial District Court will accept petitions for domestic abuse protection orders and motions for immediate temporary protection orders for the Ramah District Court. Please contact the Crownpoint Judicial District Court by telephone at (505) 786-2307 or by email at nncpcourt@navajo-nsn.gov for information on how to file. Read more.

September 14, 2021: The Aneth Judicial District facility is closed from September 13, 2021 at 5 p.m. to September 16, 2021, at 8 a.m. The preferred method of contact to the Aneth Judicial District Court at this time is email to anethcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. The Shiprock Judicial District Court will take telephone messages for the Aneth Judicial District Court at (505) 368-1270. Read more. September 3, 2021: Starting August 31, 2021, minimal court personnel will be available to provide limited essential services. The Court may be contacted at (505) 368-1274 or (928) 797-1355 or by email at nnsrcourt@navajo-nsn.gov.
All petitions for domestic violence protection orders are to be emailed to Aneth Judicial District at anethcourt@navajo-nsn.gov until further notice. If you do not have access to email, please drop court documents in the Shiprock's mail drop box outside the front entrance. For information on how to file for a Protection Order, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/ProtectionOrders.html.
The filings listed below are to be filed with the Shiprock Judicial District via email at nnsrcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. If there are any problems with filing by email, please contact the Shiprock District Court.

All proceedings concerning detained juveniles, abused or neglected minors (i.e., shelter care hearings).
Involuntary Commitment Hearings (i.e., health commitments, guardianships, and other civil commitments).
Extradition and Federal Detainers.
Habeas corpus actions.
Order to Show Cause Proceedings.
Application for injunctive relief.
Criminal proceedings concerning an incarcerated defendant (i.e. arraignment, bail and/or revocation hearing, etc.).
accept traffic civil fee, traffic criminal and criminal fine, and filing fee.
All others filings may be mailed via US Postal Services to P.O. Box 1168, Shiprock, NM 87420.

Statement on the passing of former President Kelsey Begaye

August 15, 2021: Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne released the following statement on the passing of former Navajo Nation President and Speaker Kelsey Begaye. "The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch offers sincere condolences to the family of President Kelsey Begaye. As Navajo Nation Council Speaker, Navajo Nation President, and a Naat'áanii, he served our Diné with honor, justice and humility. We are grateful for his military service and for his public service and guidance to the Navajo people as a leader, mentor and counselor. Ahé'hee'. Our Nation pays tribute to the vision, mission, accomplishments, gifts, and generosity he bestowed upon the Diné."

Judicial Branch closed for Navajo Code Talkers Day

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Friday, August 13, 2021, in recognition of Navajo Code Talkers Day, which is recognized annually on August 14. The Branch will resume operations on Monday, August 16, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact the respective court or program.

The Judicial Branch encourages its employees and the public to honor the Navajo Code Talkers by reflecting on their service and teaching about their contributions to the world.

President of the United States Ronald Reagan designated August 14, 1982 as National Navaho Code Talkers Day dedicated "to all members of the Navaho Nation and to all Native Americans who gave of their special talents and their lives so that others might live." The Navajo Nation declared August 14 of each year Navajo Nation Code Talkers Day beginning in 2006.

Seeking nominee to Government Development Commission

August 3, 2021: The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is seeking applicants for nomination of membership on the Commission on Navajo Government Development. Pursuant to 2 N.N.C. § 972 (A)(2), one member of the Commission "shall be nominated by the Judicial Branch through the Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation to serve a term of two years from the date of confirmation by the Navajo Nation Council; the nominee shall be a licensed attorney and a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association. All interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume to Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne, P.O. Box 1779, Window Rock, AZ, 86515, by August 27, 2021. See announcement.

Public service announcement

July 29, 2021: The electrical power source for the Shiprock Judicial District court building has been restored and the court personnel are on duty to provide essential judicial services. The court facility remains closed to the public and there is no in-person service. The Court can be contacted via phone number (505) 368-1270, email at nnsrcourt@navajo-nsn.gov, postal services and drop box outside the front entrance. The Shiprock Judicial District apologizes for any inconvenience due to the power outage.

Quarterly Report released

July 18, 2021: The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch released its quarterly report for Fiscal Year 2021 Third Quarter. It may be accessed on the Branch Reports webpage. The link at the top of this page.

Pro Se Classes

Tuba City Judicial District is holding pro se classes on July 20, 2021 on family, dissolution of marriage, validation of traditional Navajo marriage, recognition of common law marriage, paternity, child support, custody and visitation; August 3, 2021 on probate; August 17, 2021 on guardianship of a minor; and August 31, 2021 on name change, corrections of record, declaration of name. Classes begin at 9 a.m. and registration is required. For more information, please see the flyer.

Judicial Branch Holiday Closure

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2021, in observance of Independence Day.

Public service announcement

June 25, 2021: The Aneth Judicial District facility will be closed Friday, June 25, 2021. The preferred method of contact to the Aneth Judicial District Court at this time is by email to anethcourt@navajo-nsn.gov. The Shiprock Judicial District Court will take telephone messages for the Aneth Judicial District Court at (505) 368-1270. Read more.

Peacemaking Program statement

June 24, 2021: Peacemaking Program Statement on Hope and Rejuvenation

Judicial Branch open June 18, 2021

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation acknowledges the establishment of Juneteenth as a new federal holiday. However, because there was no notice given to the public, the Judicial Branch will remain open on Friday, June 18, 2021.

Judicial Branch closure

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2021, in observance of Memorial Day, and on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, in observance of Navajo Nation Memorial Day.

Public service announcement

April 27, 2021: Aneth District Court has installed a brochure holder for "Applications for Domestic Abuse Protection Order and Motion for Temporary Protection Order" which is located outside the court next to the Aneth Court's Drop Box.

Judicial Branch closure

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed Monday, April 26, 2021, in observance of Navajo Nation Sovereignty Day.

Navajo Nation Sovereignty Day commemorates the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kerr-McGee Corp. v. Navajo Tribe, which was decided April 16, 1985. In the Opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court explained that the "power to tax is an essential attribute of Indian sovereignty because it is a necessary instrument of self-government and territorial management," and found that the Navajo Nation had the ability to pass laws including those related to tax without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. The Court went on to state that, "The Navajo Government has been called 'probably the most elaborate' among tribes… The legitimacy of the Navajo Tribal Council, the freely elected governing body of the Navajos, is beyond question."

The Navajo Nation courts continue to protect the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation by interpreting and applying laws enacted by Navajo Nation leaders and which recognize the Navajo people's unique way of life through the Diné Fundamental Law.

Navajo Nation Council passes legislation to establish Judicial Branch fund

April 20, 2021: On the first day of its spring session, the Navajo Nation Council voted to pass legislation to establish the Hashkééjí Nahat'á Béeso Bá Hooghan with funds from the award received as a result of litigation initiated by the Judicial Branch in Navajo Nation v. Department of Interior. Read more.

Pro Se Classes

Tuba City Judicial District is holding pro se classes on April 20, 2021 on family, dissolution of marriage, validation of traditional Navajo marriage, recognition of common law marriage, paternity, child support, custody and visitation; April 27, 2021 on probation; June 8, 2021 on guardianship of a minor; and June 22, 2021 on name change, corrections of record, declaration of name. Classes begin at 9 a.m. and registration is required. For more information, please see the flyer.

FY21 2nd Quarterly Report released

April 17, 2021: The Judicial Branch released its Fiscal Year 2021 Second Quartelry Report. It is available on the Branch Reports page.

Chief Justice sends condolences to family and friends of late Nelson BeGaye

April 15, 2021: Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne issued the following statement on the passing of former Navajo Nation Council Delegate Nelson S. BeGaye. "The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation sends sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and communities of former Navajo Nation Council Delegate Nelson S. BeGaye. Mr. BeGaye was a highly respected naat'áanii with courageous vision who made a profound and long-lasting impact on our Navajo Nation. He was an honorable and humble gentleman with a strong spiritual conviction that was well known and acknowledged among our people. The love he had for his people was most evident in his beautiful words of prayer expressed with the utmost respect on the Council floor. We thank his loved ones for sharing his life, leadership and wisdom with the Navajo People."

Navajo Nation Courts celebrate anniversary

April 1, 2021: The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation celebrates on April 1, 2021, its 62nd anniversary as an independent judiciary. Read more.

Three branch chiefs hold initial discussion on the American Rescue Plan Act

March 29, 2021: On Monday, Speaker Seth Damon welcomed Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne to a three-branch chiefs discussion with the Naabik'íyáti' Committee to discuss the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, during a virtual work session hosted by the 24th Navajo Nation Council.Read more.

Retired Navajo Nation Justice Lorene B. Ferguson passes

March 1, 2021: The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation sends condolences to the family and friends of retired Navajo Nation Supreme Court Associate Justice Lorene B. Ferguson. Justice Ferguson passed away peacefully on March 1, 2021, with her daughters at her bedside, from post Covid-19 complications. As the country celebrates March as National Women's History Month, the Judicial Branch acknowledges the trailblazing contributions of Justice Ferguson to the justice system of the Navajo Nation and to the education of numerous law students. Read more.

Statement on the passing of former President Albert Hale

Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne issued the following statement on the passing of former Navajo Nation President Albert Hale, who passed Tuesday, February 2, 2021: "The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch sends sincere condolences to the family and friends of Albert Hale. President Hale made significant contributions to and impacts on our Navajo Nation government and legal system. His dedication and work reached beyond his own sphere to affect our Navajo people to this day. His extraordinary leadership in the legal field blazed trails for others to follow. As a statesman, Senator Hale, and later, State Representative Hale, represented constituents with honor and success to secure rights and justice and restored resources for the people through his leadership and determination. As a naat'áanii, he administered leadership skills and defended our Diné and our sovereignty through legal paths as an attorney, jurist, and President. It is with great respect and dignity that we honor the late President Albert Hale. May the family, friends, and our Navajo Nation find peace, comfort, and solace in his remembrance."

Chief Justice Jayne delivers quarterly message

January 27, 2021: Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne delivered her quarterly message during the Navajo Nation Council Winter Session on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. See press release.

Judicial Branch FY 2021 1st Quarterly Report released

January 23, 2021: The Judicial Branch has released the Fiscal Year 2021 First Quarterly Report. It is available on the Branch Reports page on this website.