During the Controller’s report at the Spring Session, the Navajo Nation Council renewed its demand for answers regarding a missing $24 million connected to the Executive Branch and housing contracts involving ZenniHome.
Crystalyne Curley, speaker of the Council, underscored that lawmakers have taken what she described as decisive and lawful steps to uncover the truth and safeguard public resources. The issue stems from contracts approved by the Executive Branch, including agreements with Indigenous Design Studio + Architects and its subcontractor, ZenniHome.
In November, a special prosecutor filed a formal ethics complaint in Navajo Nation District Court alleging multiple violations of the Navajo Nation Ethics in Government Law by the President. The complaint centers in part on the Executive Branch’s role in approving the contracts tied to the missing funds.
Following the complaint, Speaker Curley introduced legislation to remove the President. However, the effort was halted after a court issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the Council from acting on the legislation. That order remains in effect.
“The Council took decisive action to address the $24 million. The Special Prosecutor’s investigation continues and we continue to seek resolve through our judicial system. The Council nor the Legislative Branch played a role in the contracts or subcontracts involving ZenniHome,” Curley said.
Despite the legal roadblocks, Council members say they remain committed to transparency and accountability. During the session, Amber Kanazbah Crotty questioned where the $24 million is and how the Nation intends to recover or replace the funds.
In response, Sean McCabe said his office continues to receive conflicting information from the Office of the President and Vice President and the Division of Community Development, complicating efforts to track the missing funds.
Speaker Curley reiterated that the Council has exhausted all available legal avenues in its pursuit of answers.
“The Navajo people deserve answers from the Executive Branch and the courts,” she said. “With the support of my Council colleagues, we will continue to press forward until the truth is fully brought to light.”
The Council’s Budget and Finance Committee is expected to begin investigatory hearings focused on the Executive Branch’s housing contracts and related financial matters in the coming weeks.
