Navajo lawmakers set aside day to honor tribal leaders

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) – Navajo Nation lawmakers have set aside a day to honor all tribal leaders.

The original proposal had called for a paid day off so that tribal employees could recognize current and former tribal presidents.

The legislation was amended to make the day unpaid and in recognition of all leaders including young people, elected officials, judges, county supervisors and grassroots organizers. It will be celebrated on the third Friday of March each year.

Lawmaker Nathaniel Brown had expressed concern Thursday about a paid holiday, saying that money should be used to serve Navajo people.

The Navajo Nation observes 13 other federal and tribal holidays.