Governor Jan Brewer Signs Dinè College Compact

Press Release

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley,
Jr., signed a compact today that continues the partnership between the State of Arizona and Navajo Nation for the funding of Dinè College, a public institution of higher education chartered by the Navajo Nation.

The College is located in Tsaile, Ariz., and serves the residents of the 26,000 square-mile Navajo Nation, which covers areas in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The first of 30 tribal colleges, Diné College has two main campuses and six community centers serving approximately 2,000 students.

"People often talk about the value of education, but too often they stop short of what is necessary to protect and advance it," said Governor Brewer. "Dinè College has done a wonderful job of advancing education for communities that might not otherwise have access. Its success over the
past 10 years should be commended, and I am excited to continue the partnership between the State and the Navajo Nation for the funding of Dinè College."

Ten years ago, Arizona entered into a historic compact with the Navajo Nation that provided a funding mechanism for the College. The new law required that before Dine' could receive any state money, the Governor must execute a Compact with the Nation, and former Republican Governor
Jane Hull signed the original ten-year compact in October of 1999.

Earlier this year, legislative leaders on the Joint Budget Legislative Committee recommended that the State renew the Compact with Dine' College.

Governor Brewer also thanked former state Senator Jack Jackson, Sr. "for his years of service to the People of Arizona and the generations of Navajo students and families who will be forever enriched by the educational options that your political courage and fortitude helped to make possible."

Prior to signing the compact, Governor Brewer participated in the Navajo Nation Fair and Parade and asked those attending the signing to join her in the ongoing fight for education.

"Continue to urge your elected leaders to follow the example of those like Senator Jackson," Governor Brewer said, "He knew how to put politics aside and work for the benefit of his constituents -- all of you. This is how we can protect the seed corn of our future."

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