Chair of the Health, Education, and Human Service Committee
Vince R. James
Vice Chair of the Health, Education, and Human Service Committee
Germaine Simonson
Member of the Health, Education, and Human Service Committee
Helena Nez Begay
Member of the Health, Education, and Human Service Committee
George Tolth
Member of the Health, Education, and Human Service Committee
Curtis Yanito
Member of the Health, Education, and Human Service Committee
Dr. Andy Nez
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About the Health, Education and Human Service
Health, Education and Human Service Committee – Overview and Operations
The Health, Education, and Human Services Committee (HEHSC) is a standing committee of the Navajo Nation Council responsible for overseeing programs that impact the well-being, education, and health of the Navajo people. It provides legislative oversight for departments such as the Department of Health, Department of Diné Education, and Veterans Administration, among others. The committee works to ensure access to quality health care, support for education systems, services for children, elders, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, and advocates for policies that strengthen families and communities across the Nation.
Purpose and Function
HEHSC exists to:
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Develop policies and regulations related to health, education, social services, human services, and general government services.
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Promote accountability and transparency in how these services are delivered.
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Oversee and improve services in ways that reflect and respect traditional Navajo values and practices.
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Ensure compliance with employment and labor laws, and provide oversight of veteran services.
The Committee also works to ensure that education within the Nation is both academically excellent and culturally relevant, helping to sustain Diné language and knowledge for future generation.
Who the Committee Oversees
Oversight Responsibilities
HEHSC provides legislative oversight of several major Divisions and Departments, including:
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Division of Health
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Division of Social Services
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Division of Human Resources
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Department of Diné Education
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Division of General Services
This means the Committee is responsible for monitoring the performance, compliance, and effectiveness of these divisions and ensuring their services align with both Navajo Nation laws and community needs.
HEHSC also has oversight authority over the Navajo Nation Board of Education and all colleges located within the Navajo Nation. This includes support for local school boards and parent organizations, and engagement in issues like school openings, closures, and jurisdiction transfers.
What the Committee Does
The Committee has both legislative authority and final approval power in certain areas, including:
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Approving educational programs by external institutions operating on Navajo land.
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Authorizing Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act contracts and grants related to education and health.
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Recommending the creation or dissolution of divisions and departments under its oversight.
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Representing the Navajo Nation in matters of federal, state, and local policy—especially concerning health, education, veterans, and labor laws.
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Key Responsibilities and Powers
HEHSC’s work directly influences the quality and accessibility of:
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Health care and mental health services
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K–12 and higher education
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Social services and elder care
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Job training and labor protections
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Veterans’ programs and services
Through thoughtful regulation and community-driven oversight, the Committee helps ensure that vital programs meet the real needs of the Navajo people—both now and for future generations.
Meetings and Participation
The HEHSC meets regularly—typically on Mondays (except the first Monday of each month)—to review and act on legislation, receive updates from overseen programs, and engage with community input. The Committee consults with several advisors including the Navajo Department of Justice, Navajo Area Indian Health Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and educational and social service leaders.
Legislations passed by the Health, Education & Human Services Committee
An Action Relating to the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee; Supporting and Authorizing the Division of Aging and Long Term Care Support to Apply for Elder Services Funding from the Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging Older Americans Act Title VI Nutrition, Supportive Service, and Caregiver Grants (Parts A/B and C); and Participation in Cycle IX of the National Resources Center on Native Americans Aging Needs Assessment Titled "Identifying Our Needs: A Survey of Elders"
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Health Education & Human Services Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
CO- SPONSORS: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to Health, Education and Human Services, Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Approving and Authorizing the Mutual Aid [Intergovernmental] Agreement Between the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, Navajo Police Department and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, a Political Subdivision of the State of Arizona
Legislation 0244-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Health Education & Human Services Committee
- Law & Order Committee
- Budget & Finance Committee
- Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Eugenia Charles-Newton
Co-Sponsor: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to the Health, Education and Human Services, Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Approving and Authorizing the Mutual Aid [Intergovernmental] Agreement Between the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, Navajo Police Department and the Hopi Tribe
Legislation 0243-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Health Education & Human Services Committee
- Law & Order Committee
- Budget & Finance Committee
- Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Eugenia Charles-Newton
Co-Sponsor: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to the Health, Education and Human Services, Law and Order, Budget and Finance, and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Approving and Authorizing the Mutual Aid [Intergovernmental] Agreement Between the Navajo Nation of Public Safety, Navajo Police Department and Navajo County, A Political Subdivision of the State of Arizona
Legislation 0238-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Health Education & Human Services Committee
- Law & Order Committee
- Budget & Finance Committee
- Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Eugenia Charles-Newton
Co-Sponsor: Crystalyne Curley
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to Health, Education and Human Services Committee; Confirming the Reappointment of Joan Gray to the Navajo Nation Board of Education as a Parent Representative for a Term a Six (6) Years
Legislation 0229-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Health Education & Human Services Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Shaandiin Parrish
Co-Sponsor: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
For more legislations from the Health, Education and Human Service Committee
Click below to view the full list of legislation
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