PR Archive 2018–2019

Press Release Archive 2018-2019

The resource meeting for June 11, 2019, at Chinle Judicial District has been postponed.

June 13, 2019: Save Our Students Resource Meeting, Chinle Judicial District Court. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed Monday, May 27, 2019, in observance of Memorial Day, and on Friday, May 31, 2019, in observance of Navajo Nation Memorial Day.

May 16, 2019: Save Our Schools, Chinle Judicial District Court, 1 p.m.

A resource meeting for To'hajiilee is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2019, at 10 a.m. at the To'hajiilee Court. Aneth Judicial District resource meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2019, at the Shiprock BIA building Conference room. For more information, please call Bryan Parrish at (435) 651-3545.

Tuba City Judicial District is holding pro se classes on April 16, 2019 and May 21, 2019.. Participants are asked to be at the court by 8 a.m. and to bring a money order of $5.25. Please verify the class is being held by calling (928) 283-3140. More information.

The DNA People's Legal Services is hosting a Pro Se Clinic at the Dzil Yijiin District Court on March 28, April 30, and May 30, 2019. The workshop will cover name change, correction of record, divorce, paternity, guardianship for minor, validation of marriage, probate. See flyer. Info: 928-725-3781.

UPDATE May 7, 2019: Dzil Yijiin Judicial District Court can now be reached at (928) 725-3781. Thank you for your patience.

May 6, 2019: Dzil Yijiin Judicial District Court staff have moved into their new building in Pinon, Arizona, and have no telephone service at this time. The office technician can be reached via email at shelleylee@navajo-nsn.gov. Further announcements regarding phone service will be posted on the www.navajocourts.org website.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed Friday, May 10, 2019, in honor of Navajo Nation Police Officer Day. The branch will resume regular operating hours Monday, May 13, 2019.

Chinle and Dzil Yijiin Judicial Districts will be closed May 2, 2019, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for staff to attend mandatory annual sexual harassment training.

Tuba City Judicial District is holding pro se class on April 16, 2019. Participants are asked to be at the court by 8 a.m. to bring a money order of $5.25. Please verify the class is being held by calling (928) 283-3140. More information.

Kayenta Judicial District Court hosts a free class for those that need assistance in representing themselves on civil legal issues in Navajo courts. The next class is Thursday, May 2, 2019. The classes start at 10 a.m. For more information, please call (928) 697-5541.

April 26, 2019: Criminal Justice Summit at Tuba City Judicial District, 9 a.m. Call (928) 283-3140 for more information.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed on April 19, 2019, and April 22, 2019. The branch will resume regular operating hours Tuesday, April 23, 2019. If you should have any questions, please contact the appropriate court or program.

The Judicial Branch Second Quarterly Report for Fiscal Year 2019 has been released and is available under the Branch Reports tab on this page.

Kayenta Judicial District Court hosts a free class for those that need assistance in representing themselves on civil legal issues in Navajo courts. The next class is Thursday, April 11, 2019. The classes start at 10 a.m. For more information, please call (928) 697-5541.

Kayenta Judicial District is taking its mobile court to Naatsis'aan Chapter House, Navajo Mountain, Utah, on April 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Available will be district/family court, probation & peacemaking services and a free legal pro se clinic. Information: 928-657-5541. See flyer.

Judicial Hearing Officer Victor Clyde spoke on the theme of, "Community, Justice and Safety For All," at the Ramah Judicial District Justice Day on April 5, 2019, as a guest speaker. And following the event, he put his words into action by purchasing a brand new bike for a child whose bike was stolen the day before. The new bike was delivered to Tommy Manning IV on Friday evening in Window Rock. Read more.

Chinle Judicial District Court has a pro se class April 3, 2019, at 9 a.m. For more information, please see flyer and to confirm class is being held, please call (928) 674-2070.

Window Rock Judicial District Court is closed April 1, 2019, for staff to hold Justice Day. If you have any questions, please call (928) 871-6626.

Ramah Judicial District Court will be closed on Friday, March 29, 2019, for staff to attend CPR/First Aid training. Thank you for your understanding.

March 29, 2019: Aneth resource meeting at Teec Nos Pos Community School, 10 a.m.

Shiprock Judicial District will be holding pro se classes on March 29, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the topic of divorce. For more information, please call (505) 368-1270.

The Supreme Court is no longer accepting U.S. passport applications effective March 20, 2019. Thank you for your understanding.

The public and retired judges and justices of the Navajo Nation Courts are invited to the Supreme Court and Window Rock Judicial District's Justice Day to be held April 1, 2019, at the Supreme Court east of Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park. The Judicial Branch is planning to take a photograph of all current and retired judges that attend the event as April 1 is the 60th anniversary of the Navajo Nation Courts. Also planned for the event is a proclamation signing proclaiming April 2019 the month to celebrate the creation of the Navajo courts. Read more.

Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne attended the Navajo Nation Leadership Meeting with Navajo Nation Council Delegates and Vice President Myron Lizer on Friday, March 22, 2019, at Twin Arrows, Leupp, Arizona. At the leadership meeting, she heard the priorities of the Office of the President and Vice President and the four standing committees of the Navajo Nation Council. Chief Justice Jayne also presented the recommendations and priorities of the Judicial Branch. Read more.

Tuba City Judicial District holds monthly pro se classes. The next one is Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. For more information, please call (928) 283-3140.

March 12, 2019: Chinle Judicial District, 9 a.m.

March 21, 2019: Save Our Schools: Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts, Chinle Judicial District Court. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Navajo Nation Courts are celebrating their 60th anniversary at this year's annual Justice Day events. Each year, the courts observe the establishment of the Navajo Nation's own judicial system with activities at celebrations known as Justice Day. See press release. The schedule for Justice Days is as follows:

    • April 1, 2019: Supreme Court/Window Rock Judicial District, Window Rock, Arizona. Fun Run/Walk Flyer

Kayenta Judicial District Court hosts a free class for those that need assistance in representing themselves on civil legal issues in Navajo courts. The next class is Friday, March 8, 2019, at 10 a.m. For more information, please call (928) 697-5541.

Shiprock Judicial District will be holding pro se classes on February 28, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the topic of probate. For more information, please call (505) 368-1270.

The To'hajiilee/Alamo Judicial District staff attorney will present to the public on the legal process used by the Courts of the Navajo Nation on March 4, 2019, at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the To'hajiilee Court House, and on March 5, 2019 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alamo Court House. For more information, contact Alisha R. Thompson at (505) 908-2817. See To'hajiilee flyer and Alamo flyer.

The DNA People's Legal Services is hosting a Pro Se Clinic at the Dzil Yijiin District Court on February 28. The workshop will cover name change, correction of record, divorce, paternity, guardianship for minor, validation of marriage, probate. See flyer. Info: 928-725-3781.

Aneth Judicial District has a pro se clinic on March 8, 2019, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aneth Judicial District Court Room. For more information, please call (435) 651-3545. See flyer.

The Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Report has been released as of March 1, 2019, and is available under the Branch Reports tab at the top of this webpage.

February 27, 2019: Aneth Judicial District, at 9:00am in the Utah Navajo Health System second floor conference room

The Dzil Yijiin Judicial District Court is closed February 26, 2019 due to the special school board election happening. The court is located within the Pinon chapter house where the election is taking place and court staff cannot be in the chapter house during that time.

Aneth Judicial District will hold a pro se clinic for self-represented litigants on February 22, 2019, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the District Court. See flyer.

Tuba City Judicial District holds monthly pro se classes. The next one is Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. For more information, please call (928) 283-3140.

February 21, 2019: Save Our Schools: Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts resource meeting at Chinle Judicial District Court. 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

February 22, 2019: Crownpoint Judicial District

The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch will be closed Friday, February 22, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to inclement weather. Judicial Branch employees will be granted 8 hours administrative leave.

Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne issued the following statement: The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch employees are granted 8 hours administrative leave on Thursday February 21, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to inclement weather. The branch will assess the weather Thursday to determine whether it warrants an additional 8 hours of administrative leave for Friday, February 22, 2019. As always, the safety of the Judicial Branch employees and their families are of utmost importance at this time. The branch is also concerned about the safety of our Diné people.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will observe a 2-hour delay the morning of Tuesday, February 19, 2019, due to inclement weather.

Window Rock Judicial District Court domestic violence hearings scheduled on February 22, 2019, will be conducted at the Law and Order Committee Conference Room beginning at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that date. For more information, please call (928) 871-6626.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed on Monday, February 18, 2019, in observance of President's Day. If you should have any questions, please contact the appropriate court or program.

February 11, 2019: Naasgo Hozho Whindzin resource meeting, Alamo Court, Alamo, N.M. Information: 575-854-2668 or reginaroanhorse@navajo-nsn.gov

Aneth Judicial District will be closed Friday, February 1, 2019. Services will resume the next business day on February 4, 2019.

JoAnn B. Jayne, Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation, introduced herself to the 24th Navajo Nation Council during her quarterly report on January 28, 2019. Chief Justice Jayne said that the Judicial Branch is working toward the vision of resolving cases as soon as the courts can. Read press release.

January 29, 2019: Aneth Judicial District, Whitehorse High School hogan, Montezuma Creek, Utah, at 10 a.m.

January 24, 2019: Crownpoint Judicial District January 24, 2019: Save Our Students: Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court resource meeting, Chinle Judicial District, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Aneth Judicial District has a pro se class scheduled for January 18, 2019 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Aneth Judicial District courtroom.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed January 21, 2019, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Fiscal Year 2019 First Quarterly Report is available on the Branch Reports page on this website. Click on the "Branch Reports" tab on the banner.

The Supreme Court, Kayenta Judicial District Court and Chinle Judicial District Court will be closed on January 15, 2019. Window Rock Judicial District will be closed January 15, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Crownpoint, Dilkon, Ramah, To'hajiilee/Alamo and Tuba City Judicial District Courts will be open on January 15, 2019; however, there will be no court hearings taking place at those courts. All other judicial district courts and programs of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch are open and court hearings will be conducted as scheduled, unless parties are otherwise officially notified. If you should have any questions, please contact the appropriate court or program.

Alamo Court is closed January 2-3, 2019, due to inclement weather conditions. To'hajiilee Court is closed January 2, 2019, and will re-open January 3, 2019, at 10 a.m.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is closed December 31, 2018, and January 1, 2019. The branch will reopen January 2, 2019.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed December 24-26, 2018. The branch will reopen December 27, 2018. The Judicial Branch wishes all a happy and safe holiday season.

Ramah Judicial District will be closed December 21, 2018, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Dilkon Judicial District Court is closed 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018. The Administrative Office of the Courts, Supreme Court and the central offices of Peacemaking Program and Probation & Parole Services administration will be closed December 21, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Window Rock Judicial District will have limited services on December 21, 2018.(505) 775-3218. To'hajiilee-Alamo Judicial District will be closed Friday, December 21, 2018. Aneth Judicial District is closed 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018.

Dilkon Judicial District has pro se clinics during the last two days of the month. Call ahead to confirm that the class is being held at (928) 657-8140. Schedule is: Divorce –October 30, 2018, November 29, 2018, December 27, 2018; Name Change, Correction of Record, Paternity, Guardianship, Validation of Marriage - October 30, 2018, November 29, 2018, December 27, 2018; Probate –October 31, 2018, November 30, 2018, December 28, 2018.

Aneth Judicial District has a pro se clinic on December 14, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. See flyer.

Tuba City Judicial District is holding pro se clinics on November 27, 2018, and December 18, 2018. Participants should be at court at 8 a.m. For more information, see the flyer.

December 14, 2018: Dilkon Judicial District. Please call (928) 657-8140 for more information.

December 14, 2018: Tuba City Judicial District Criminal Justice Summit from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m December 20, 2018: Ramah Judicial District
Chinle Judicial District is closed December 14, 2018, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Raquel Chee, the Judicial Branch's grants administrator, was presented a Community Leader of Distinction award on December 4, 2018, during the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's 2018 Tribal Youth Conference for her work in securing grant funding for the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch. Read the press release.

The Judicial Conduct Commission has been delegated the authority to screen judge and justice applicants and recommend probationary appointment of judges and justices of the Navajo Nation. The Law and Order Committee of the Navajo Nation Council approved legislation sponsored by Delegate Otto Tso to amend the Commission's plan of operation and to delegate the Committee's authority. See press release.

Navajo Nation Probation and Parole Services was awarded a $200,000 federal grant to improve employment outcomes for people returning to their communities from prison or jail. The award is a part of the 2018 Second Chance Act grant program funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs. Read more.

At Dilkon Judicial District, DNA Legal Services provides Domestic Abuse Protection Services. Services include assistance with petition/forms and legal advice for representation in court on October 22, 2018; November 5, 2018; and November 18, 2018. This service is provided 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, on the dates indicated. For more information: call Barbara Willeto at (928) 871-4151.

Kayenta Judicial District is holding free pro se classes on Wednesday, September 5, 2019 at 10 a.m.; Friday, October 19, 2018, at 10 a.m.; Friday, November 2, 2018, at 10 a.m.; and Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. Download flyer.

Aneth Judicial District Court is holding a pro se clinic on November 16, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. See flyer.

Tuba City Judicial District is holding pro se clinics on November 27, 2018, and December 18, 2018. Participants should be at court at 8 a.m. For more information, see the flyer.

November 16, 2018: Dilkon Judicial District. Please call (928) 657-8140 for more information.

December 11, 2018: Chinle Judicial District at 9 a.m.

Peacemaking Program staff have a meeting and training scheduled for November 27-28, 2018, and will be out of the office those days. Peacemaking Program offices will re-open Thursday, November 29, 2018.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed November 21-23, 2018, in observance of Thanksgiving and Navajo Nation Family Day. The branch will reopen November 26, 2018.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed on Monday, November 12, 2018, in observance of Veterans Day. The branch will resume regular operating hours Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Dzil Yijiin Judicial District Court will be closed on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. The court is closed because it is located within the Pinon Chapter House and the chapter house is a polling place for the 2018 Navajo Nation General Election. Any questions, please call (928) 725-3781.

The Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation has scheduled oral arguments for two cases on November 2, 2018. The Court will be hearing oral argument at 10 a.m. in Irwin Jones v. Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, No. SC-CV-18-13, and at 1 p.m. for Geoffrey Bia v. Navajo Nation Insurance Services Department Risk Management Program, No. SC-CV-54-16.

The Peacemaking Program offices will be providing limited services the week of October 29, 2018. Traditional Program Specialists and central administration of the Peacemaking Program are out of their offices for training October 29, 2018, through November 2, 2018, and will return to their offices on November 5, 2018. The program's Office Technicians will be in the district offices.

The Fourth Quarterly Report of Fiscal Year 2018 for the Judicial Branch has been released and can be found on the Reports page of this website.

October 11, 2018: Dzil Yijiin Judicial District. Please call (928) 725-3781 for more information.

October 16, 2018: Chinle Judicial District at 9:00 a.m. Please call (928) 674-2070 for more information. October 26, 2018: Tuba City Judicial District Criminal Justice Summit from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Alamo-To'hajiilee Judicial District Courts will be closed Friday, October 5, 2018, for employees to attend mandatory traning.

The Aneth District Court will hold a Pro Se Clinic every other month to educate its customers on how to file a Pro Se action. Next one is October 5, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Aneth Judicial District Court. See flyer.

The Dilkon Judicial District Court will be closed Monday, October 1, 2018, for staff to attend mandatory training.

Dzil Yijiin Judicial District has a pro se class on September 25, 2018. Please call (928) 725-3781 for more information

September 27, 2018: Crownpoint Judicial District at 9:00 a.m. Please call (505) 786-2072 for more information.

The Shiprock Judicial District Court will be closed on September 27, 2018. For more information, please call (505) 368-1270.

September 21, 2018: To'hajiilee resource meeting. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the To'hajiilee Court.

The Window Rock Judicial District Court, Supreme Court and Administrative Office of the Courts are closed as of 1:30 p.m. on September 14, 2018. Window Rock Judicial District Court cases scheduled for the afternoon of September 14, 2018 will be continued.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2018.

The Window Rock Judicial District will be closed Friday, August 31, 2018. Any questions, please call (928) 871-6626.

Aneth Judicial District staff attorney and traditional program specialist are presenting on pro se probate and quiet title actions in Navajo courts to grazing permittees at Toadlena Chapter on August 22, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation will be closed on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, in recognition of Navajo Nation Code Talkers Day. The branch will resume regular operating hours on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. See press release.

Aneth Judicial District will be holding its pro se clinic on August 10, 2018, at 2 p.m. See flyer for more information.

In an opinion issued June 29, 2018, the Navajo Nation Supreme Court granted a writ of mandamus that recognized previously seated members of the Navajo Nation Labor Commission (Labor Commission) must serve until a successor is appointed and ordered the previously appointed and newly appointed members to "hear and adjudicate cases without further delay." See press release.

Ramah Judicial District will be closed Friday, August 3, 2018, for staff to attend mandatory training.

Aneth Judicial District will have limited service on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. The Aneth Judicial District will be closed Wednesday, August 1, 2018, due to mandatory training. Please call (435) 651-3545 for information.

Kayenta Judicial District will hold a pro se class on August 1, 2018, at 10 a.m. Please call (928) 697-5549 for more information.

July 20, 2018: Rachel R. Felix was confirmed for a two-year appointment to the Commission on Navajo Government Development as the Judicial Branch representative on Thursday, July 19, 2018. The legislation to confirm Felix was approved by the Council with a unanimous vote of 16-0. Felix was appointed by the Honorable Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne. See press release.

July 19, 2018: People needing to pay for civil traffic fines from the Crownpoint, Dilkon and Tuba City Judicial Districts may now pay online through the link on this page after creating an account. Scroll down to "Links" and click on the "Pay Online" icon. Credit card payment is currently only being accepted online at this time.

The Administrative Office of the Courts and the Supreme Court will be providing limited services on Monday, July 23, 2018, and Tuesday, July 24, 2018. The Peacemaking Program administration will be closed Monday, July 23, 2018, and Tuesday, July 24, 2018. The administrative services officers from the AOC and Supreme Court will be in the offices to accept telephone calls and take messages. The limited services and office closures are due to staff attending mandatory training.

Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne delivered her quarterly report to the Navajo Nation Council during its summer session on Monday, July 16, 2018. In the report, she noted that one of the mandates of the Judicial Branch is to educate the people. Read the press release.

The Third Quarterly Report for Fiscal Year 2018 of the Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is now available through this link.

July 27, 2018: The Window Rock Judicial District Court is providing services at its temporary location at the Administrative Office of the Courts conference room until further notice. Please call (928) 871-6626 for more information.

Window Rock Office of Probation and Parole Services is currently working out of the Peacemaking Program office in Window Rock until further notice due to the facility issues at the Window Rock Judicial District Court. The WR OPPS may be reached at (928) 871-6625.

The Window Rock Judicial District Court is now temporarily located in the Administrative Office of the Court conference room and will be providing limited services at this location, including acceptance of filings, until further notice. The AOC is located east of the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, Arizona.

The phone line for the Window Rock District Court is (928) 871-6626. All hearings scheduled for this week will be rescheduled to a later date. The Court will notify parties through their mailing addresses of new hearing dates.

The Window Rock Judicial District Court is closed July 11, 2018, due to issues with its facility. Court hearings will be continued and reset to another date. The Court will re-open July 12, 2018, at 8 a.m. at the former Supreme Court office at the Butler building next to Navajo Nation Vital Records Office until further notice. The Judicial District Court will be providing limited service to the public such as accepting filings, answering questions and issuing temporary protection orders at the temporary site. For now, phone calls are being taken at the Window Rock Peacemaking Program office at (928) 871-7008.