Administrative Note

This Plan of Operations is intended to clarify hózh̨óji naat’aah to its core principles and functions as they were practiced before the Long Walk, hweeldi.  In the century before hweeldi, peacemaking was the only means of dispute resolution for the people.  

             The Plan implements 7 N.N.C. §§409-413 and recognizes the Peacemaking Program as an entity distinct from the district courts and generally describes its relationship in financial and technical support of community-based peacemakers, who are not subject to government-approved procedures in the conduct of traditional services.  It further establishes that traditional services are distinct from court-based services, and are provided by an entity that is entirely independent from the courts.

             In the past, the Peacemaking Program accepted matters that would require court orders to achieve resolution.  This Plan of Operations establishes that the Program will no longer initiate court-related matters directly, but instead will address such matters as referrals all or in part by the court.

             In addition, this Plan of Operations provides information on the full range of Program services to the public, the courts, schools and agencies.  The Plan sets forth details as to how the Program receives requests or referrals, and then arranges and provides those services.

             Principles of Diné bi beenahaz’áanii are applicable in all Program services.  These principles that are the living culture of the Diné Life Way are conveyed primarily through verbal narratives.  They may, at times, be written down, explained and elaborated on for Program use and applied in its processes and services for various purposes, including training, guidance, and teaching.  These writings as they continue to be developed and implemented by the Program need not be part of this Plan of Operations.

             This Plan of Operations may be amended by the Law & Order Committee of the Navajo Nation Council. However, the Program may administratively revise the details of the management, planning, arrangement and provision of these services from time to time in order to provide the best possible services consistent with the purposes of this Plan of Operations. Such procedural revisions, including the peacemaker fee or yeel, within the Program, may be effected by order of the Chief Justice as chief administrator of the Judicial Branch and its programs.