Navajo COVID-19 Stories
Read Farina King’s Op-Ed, “Diné heroes facing monsters through generations,” in The Salt Lake Tribune (May 2, 2020), or listen to Farina’s interview, “Navajo Nation’s Pandemic Suffering Underscores Lingering Harms of Colonialism” (May 6, 2020), with Julie Rose on Top of Mind through BYU Radio. King is also quoted in Natasha Piñon’s article, “Native American communities are struggling during the pandemic. Here’s how to help,” in Mashable (May 22, 2020).
You can listen to Farina King’s interview along with music on Moccasin Tracks and Deborah Reger’s podcast: Honoring The Ones Who Came Before and Slaying The Monster Covid-19 Coronavirus With Navajo Warriors, WGDR Community Radio, May 27, 2020. See also King’s work and story featured in “Professor Weaves Together History And Family Stories To Make Sense Of COVID-19 On Navajo Nation,” KUER 90.1 NPR Utah, June 15, 2020; and “Dr. Farina King, Citizen of The Navajo Nation on COVID 19 & Other Indigenous Issues,” The Richard Eeds Show, SantaFe.com, July 8, 2020. AC4 Columbia features an interview with Dr. Farina King and Dr. Tinashe Goronga, “Colonialism and COVID-19: When past is present,” which became available on August 20, 2020. Check out King’s episode, “Diné Doctor Histories,” on the podcast Intervals from June 9, 2021.
The Navajo Department of Health started a “campaign [‘Navajo Strong – COVID-19 Survivors‘ that] highlights Navajo residents and their families who share the most inspirational stories of recovery, hope, resilience, and how COVID-19 impacted their lives.”
Also see the “Navajo Nation COVID-19 Dashboard” for data provided by the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Epidemiology Center for public information purposes only.
August 2022
“How the Pandemic Shortened Life Expectancy in Indigenous Communities,” The New York Times, August 31, 2022.
May 2022
“Navajo Nation secures water rights after a nearly 20-year battle,” ABC4 Southern Utah News, May 27, 2022.
April 2022
“20 new cases, 51,436 recoveries, and 15 deaths related to COVID-19 reported due to delayed reporting from outside entities,” Indianz.Com, April 22, 2022.
March 2022
“After a ‘scary’ beginning, Navajo leaders say their COVID-19 response has become a model,” Arizona Republic, March 24, 2022.
“San Juan County, Navajo Nation COVID-19 case updates for March 2022,” Farmington Daily Times, March 1, 2022.
February 2022
“Mailing of $2,000 Checks for Navajo Elders Almost Completed,” Native News Online, February 24, 2022.
“ARPA hardship and CIB technical assistance drives to be held in urban areas,” Navajo-Hopi Observer, February 8, 2022.
“MissionGO Flight Demonstrations in the Navajo Nation Highlight Essential Use Cases for Deliveries via Unmanned Aircraft,” GlobeNewswire, February 3, 2022.
January 2022
“San Juan County, Navajo Nation COVID-19 case updates for January 2022,” Farmington Daily Times, January 3, 2022.
December 2021
Quintero, Donovan, Krista Allen, and Rima Krisst. “Hope for vaccines as COVID-19 attacks Nation,” Navajo Times, December 30, 2021.
Smith, Noel Lyn. “Navajo Nation health officials recommend continuing COVID-19 precautions as Omicron variant studied,” Farmington Daily Times, December 1, 2021.
November 2021
“Navajo Nation reports uncontrolled COVID-19 spread in 56 communities,” KNAU and Arizona News, November 9, 2021.
October 2021
“Navajo/Hopi families relief fund shifts focus,” Navajo Times, October 20, 2021.
September 2021
“Opinion: For Navajo, crowded homes have always been a lifeline. The pandemic threatens that,” The Washington Post, September 2021.
August 2021
Becenti, Arlyssa. “Concern grows, Delta variant infections rise,” Navajo Times, August 5, 2021.
July 2021
Clahchischiligi, Sunnie R. “Internet dead zones and ‘thick’ homework packets took an emotional toll on Navajo students during COVID-19 school year. They didn’t give up,” USA Today, July 13, 2021.
June 2021
Fischer, Karen. “The Airwaves of Navajo Nation,” The Verge, June 23, 2021.
Bennett-Begaye, Jourdan, Sunnie Clahchischilgi, and Christine Trudeau. “Broken system can’t keep track of Native deaths,” Indian Country Today, June 8, 2021.
May 2021
Hughes, Trevor. “Worried about COVID-19, Navajo Nation ignores CDC, keeps masks and social distancing,” USA Today, May 29, 2021.
Smith, Noel Lyn. “COVID-19 vaccine clinics pop up in Bloomfield, Farmington, and Shiprock,” Farmington Daily Times, May 29, 2021.
CGTN America. “Navajo Nation COVID-19 and Its Impact on Education,” 69 News WFMZ-TV, May 28, 2021.
Hatzipanagos, Rachel. “How Native Americans launched successful coronavirus vaccination drives: ‘A story of resilience’,” The Washington Post, May 26, 2021.
Recht, Hannah, Rachana Pradhan, and Lauren Weber. “Racial disparities persist in vaccinations,” Kaiser Health News, May 24, 2021.
Romero, Simon. “Navajo Nation Becomes Largest Tribe in U.S. After Pandemic Enrollment Surge,” The New York Times, May 21, 2021.
Newton, Creede. “Navajo Nation outpaces wider US: 60 percent fully vaccinated,” Aljazeera, May 20, 2021.
Associated Press. “Navajo Nation reports 12 new COVID-19 cases, 1 more death,” 2KUTV, May 5, 2021.
April 2021
Effective April 26, 2021 is the Navajo Nation Reopening Plan, which “is intended to guide the reopening of private and public sector activity on the Navajo Nation in a safe and organized manner in the age of COVID-19. This Plan shall be in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Triesman, Rachel. “Outpacing The U.S., Hard-Hit Navajo Nation Has Vaccinated More Than Half Of Adults,” NPR, April 26, 2021.
Fonseca, Felicia. “Jill Biden hears from Navajo women on needs, priorities,” AP News, April 22, 2021.
“Covid-19: With Big Vaccine Push, Navajo Nation Has Tamed Virus,” The New York Times, updated April 10, 2021.
Thacker, Stacy. “Building homes by building confidence,” Change Labs, April 6, 2021.
Groetzinger, Kate. “Health Providers Step Up Outreach On Navajo Nation, As Demand For COVID Vaccine Drops,” KUER 90.1, April 2, 2021.
March 2021
The Navajo Nation, “0 new cases and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports over 191,000 vaccine doses administered,” March 22, 2021.
Smith, Noel Lyn. “Somber event pays tribute to Navajo Nation members lost to COVID-19,” Farmington Daily Times, March 18, 2021.
Silversmith, Shondiin. “How COVID-19 struck the heart of the Navajo Nation and how the people fought back,” Arizona Republic, March 17, 2021.
Goodman, Jessica. “Navajo Nation is working to slowly reopen after seeing a decline in COVID-19 cases,” AZFamily.com, March 15, 2021.
February 2021
Kuhn, Casey. “Why Indigenous people in cities feel ‘invisible’ as pandemic wears on,” PBS News Hour, February 23, 2021.
Siegler, Kirk. “Why Native Americans Are Getting COVID-19 Vaccines Faster,” NPR, February 19, 2021.
Krisst, Rima. “A toxic legacy: NNEPA director confirmed, $220 million cleanup contracts awarded,” The Navajo Times, February 18, 2021.
Yurth, Cindy. “Navajo leads the country in vaccine rollout: Here’s what went right,” The Navajo Times, February 11, 2021.
Estus, Joaqlin. “Tribes are racing ahead of vaccination curve,” Indian Country Today, February 10, 2021.
Romero, Simon. “Albert Hale, Former President of Navajo Nation, Dies at 70,” The New York Times, February 6, 2021.
The Associated Press, Christina Rodriguez. “Biden signs disaster declaration to help Navajo Nation with COVID-19 response,” K0B4, February 4, 2021.
Nowell, Cecilia. “They Asked for PPE and Got Body Bags Instead—She Turned Them Into a Healing Dress,” Vogue, February 4, 2021.
Sarkar, Jayita and Caitlin Meyer, “Radiation illnesses and COVID-19 in the Navajo Nation,” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, February 3, 2021.
McGivney, Annette. “Arizona fought restrictions amid a dire Covid surge. Navajo elder Mae Tso paid the price,” The Guardian, February 2, 2021.
Hellmann, Melissa. “How a Native American COVID-19 vaccine rollout is a model for community-centered approaches,” The Seattle Times, February 1, 2021.
January 2021
“The survey [by the Urban Indian Health Institute] found that 75 percent of the American Indian and Alaska Native participants would be willing to get vaccinated.”
Joaqlin Estus, Indian Country Today (January 2021)
Estus, Joaqlin. “Study: 75 percent of Natives would get vaccinated,” Indian Country Today, January 30, 2021.
“Navajo Nation President On The Reservation’s Success With COVID-19 Vaccinations,” All Things Considered, January 29, 2021.
“She tells everybody she loves them,” her mother said. “You could be the meanest person in the world, but she’ll break you down and say, ‘I love you.’”
Aliyah Chavez, “Young Diné Covid survivor full of ‘i love yous,'” The Navajo Times (January 2021)
Now her family is one of many across Indian Country whose lives have been changed from the dangerous virus. Stella’s father, who passed away last year, is among nearly a thousand Navajo citizens who have died, according to data from the nation.
Chavez, Aliyah. “Young Diné COVID survivor full of ‘I love yous,’” The Navajo Times, January 29, 2021.
Walker, Dalton. “Pueblo sues feds over hospital service,” Indian Country Today, January 29, 2021.
Krisst, Rima. “COVID-19 outbreak at Winslow nursing home claimed 40 lives,” The Navajo Times, January 28, 2021.
Mullane, Shannon. “Navajo hospital vaccinates 2,400 people in one day,” The Durango Herald, January 26, 2021.
Archambault, Jodi. “Opinion: How Covid-19 Threatens Native Languages,” The New York Times, January 24, 2021.
“CANNONBALL, N.D. — Over four centuries, nine out of 10 Native Americans perished from war or disease. Now our people are dying from Covid-19 at extraordinarily high rates across the country. North and South Dakota, home to the Lakota reservations, lead the United States for coronavirus rates per capita. We are losing more than friends and family members; we are losing the language spoken by our elders, the lifeblood of our people and the very essence of who we are.”
Jodi Archambault, “How Covid-19 Threatens Native Languages,” The New York Times (January 24, 2021)
Quintero, Donovan. “Nurse keeps fighting virus after losing loved ones,” Navajo Times, January 21, 2021.
Associated Press, “Navajo Nation reaches settlement over spill,” Indian Country Today, January 13, 2021.
“As COVID Surges in L.A., Hard-Hit Indigenous Communities Fight to Preserve Life, Culture & Language,” Democracy Now, January 13, 2021.
Deaderick, Lisa. “Keeping Indigenous elders safe from COVID-19 a critical part of preserving culture,” The San Diego Union-Tribune, January 10, 2021.
O’Donnell, Martin, Lt. Col. “ARNORTH to adjust military COVID-19 response operation in four states, Navajo Nation,” Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), January 8, 2021.
Rodriguez, Christina. “Navajo Nation extends stay-at-home order through Jan. 25,” KOB4, January 8, 2021.
“Navajo Nation starts next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations,” KRQE, January 5, 2021.
“73 Navajo Nation communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19,” KRQE, January 4, 2021.
December 2020
Becenti, Arlyssa. “COVID plays large part in 2020 passings,” Navajo Times, December 30, 2020.
O’Neal, Nathan. “Navajo Nation nurse dies from COVID-19 at age 48,” KOB4, December 30, 2020.
Roberson, Jenni. “PA Graduate Featured on TODAY Show Will Return to Navajo Nation to Practice,” AAPA, December 28, 2020.
Castronuovo, Celine. “COVID-19 death toll rises in Navajo Nation,” The Hill, December 23, 2020.
Wasu, Sonu. “Navajo Nation seeing a flattening of the curve in COVID-19 cases,” ABC 15 Arizona, December 22, 2020.
Read, Richard and Kurtis Lee. “COVID-19 is crushing Native American reservations. But distrust of the government makes vaccines a hard sell,” Los Angeles Times, December 20, 2020.
Curtis, Chelsea. “As Chinle becomes a Navajo Nation COVID-19 hotspot, the young volunteer to protect elders,” Arizona Republic, December 20, 2020.
Armas, Marissa. “Navajo Nation receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccines,” KOAT7 Action News, December 14, 2020.
O’Neal, Nathan and KOB Web Staff. “Navajo Nation receives first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine,” K0B4, December 14, 2020.
All Things Considered. “‘Hold Their Feet To the Fire’: Getting A COVID-19 Vaccine To Hard-Hit Indian Country,” NPR, December 11, 2020.
Cirruzzo, Chelsea. “Study: COVID-19 Mortality Twice as High Among Native Americans: Data from 14 states confirms the deadly and disproportionate toll the coronavirus pandemic has taken on American Indians and Alaska Natives,” U.S. News & World Report, December 10, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “3,900 vaccine doses expected Monday,” Navajo Times, December 10, 2020.
Martinez, Felicia and Matthew Jacobson. “Backcountry Santas Load Planes With Supplies – And Presents – For Navajo Nation,” KSL TV, December 10, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “Coronavirus vaccine rollout set to begin next week,” Navajo Times, December 10, 2020.
Mason, Vivian. “Navajo Healer, USU Alum Helps Battle COVID-19,” The Pulse, December 9, 2020.
“Latter-day Saint Charities Participate in Donation to Navajo Nation: Hundreds of volunteers donate COVID-19 relief supplies for Navajo tribal members,” Church News, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, December 9, 2020.
Smith, Noel Lyn. “‘Effective response’ beyond capabilities as Navajo leaders seek major disaster declaration,” Farmington Daily Times, December 5, 2020.
November 2020
Bassler, Hunter. “Dr. Jill Jim, Navajo Nation’s Health Department director, placed on Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Board,” Arizona 12 News, November 28, 2020.
Mejia, Garna. “Group Gives Back To Those Who Helped Native Americans During Pandemic,” KSL TV, November 27, 2020.
Associated Press. “Navajo homes getting electricity with $14.5 million CARES Act funding,” 2KUTV, November 27, 2020.
KRQE Staff. “School buses deliver assignments to students on Navajo Nation,” KRQE, November 25, 2020.
Chavez, Aliyah. “Tó éí iiná bottle benefits Navajo Nation,” Indian Country Today, November 24, 2020.
Clahchischiligi, Sunnie R. “Women have long been the leaders in Navajo culture. Now they’re steering the fight against Covid,” The Guardian, November 20, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “Nation logs record-breaking 351 new COVID cases,” Navajo Times, November 20, 2020.
Rueter, Thad. “Bashas’ Helps with Navajo and Hopi Pandemic Relief,” Progressive Grocer, November 20, 2020.
Yurth, Cindy. “On the front line: Diné scientist working toward cure for COVID-19,” Navajo Times, November 19, 2020.
Quintero, Donovan. “COVID survivor wants others to learn from her experience,” Navajo Times, November 12, 2020.
Quintero, Donovan. “NM flags at half-mast due to COVID-19 deaths,” Navajo Times, November 3, 2020.
October 2020
Sullivan, Meghan. “Navajo mom and community leader was a ‘beautiful soul,’” Indian Country Today, October 29, 2020.
Yurth, Cindy. “Chapters only have 20 hardship applications,” Navajo Times, October 26, 2020.
Quintero, Donovan. “Hill becomes makeshift classroom for a Fish Point family,” Navajo Times, October 22, 2020.
Wagner, Dennis and Wyatte Grantham-Philips. “‘Still killing us’: The federal government underfunded health care for Indigenous people for centuries. Now they’re dying of COVID-19,” USA Today, October 21, 2020.
Benallie, Kalle. “Family meant everything to Navajo woman,” Indian Country Today, October 18, 2020.
Clahchischiligi, Sunnie R. “Navajo Elders: Alone, Without Food, in Despair,” Native News Online, October 15, 2020.
“COVID: Bridging the Gaps,” Arizona Wellbeing Commons 2020, October 14, 2020.
“Happy Indigenous People’s Day,” Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund, October 12, 2020.
Smith, Noel Lyn. “Navajo Nation president approves financial assistance for enrolled members amid COVID-19,” Farmington Daily Times, October 10, 2020.
September 2020
“Navajo Nation extends daily curfews, stay-at-home order and 57-hour weekend lockdown,” Navajo-Hopi Observer, September 30, 2020.
Shone, Colton. “Navajo people may receive COVID-19 relief checks,” KOB4, September 29, 2020.
Caltabiano, David. “Navajo family helps elders after virus devastates loved ones,” AZFamily.com, September 28, 2020.
Eyre, Aubrey. “Operation Firewood Rescue: How tragedy on the Wasatch Front became a blessing for the Navajo Nation,” Church News, September 27, 2020.
“Latter-day Saints Participate in ‘Operation Firewood Rescue’ to Help Utah’s Native Americans,” Church Newsroom, September 27, 2020.
Rodriguez, Christina. “Navajo Nation prepares to reissue stay-at-home order,” KOB4, September 22, 2020.
Ami, Christine. “Politics of Distrust: The Navajo Nation’s use of propaganda devices to recruit participants for COVID-19 trial vaccine,” Indian Country Today, September 21, 2020.
The Richard Eeds Show episode with Deputy Director, Cassandra Begay, on the KTRC Santa Fe radio podcast about Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund, September 17, 2020.
“The Good Hearts Deliver: Lakota, Navajo, and Hopi compassionate relief in times of pandemic,” Censored News, September 17, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “COVID-19 vaccine trials starting this week on Navajo,” Navajo Times, September 17, 2020.
Pfeiffer, Sacha. “To Limit COVID-19, Navajo Leader Says: ‘Listen To Your Public Health Professionals,'” All Things Considered, NPR, September 15, 2020.
Burt, Spencer. “Wood from fallen trees can be donated as firewood for Utah’s Native American groups,” Fox 13, September 11, 2020.
Jacobs, Becky. “Native American runners journey 360 miles across Utah to offer healing, raise awareness during the coronavirus pandemic,” Salt Lake Tribune, September 5, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “No new cases!” Navajo Times, September 8, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “‘Everyday heroes’: Navajo-Hopi relief effort boosted by Kellogg grant, Phoenix nurses,” Navajo Times, September 3, 2020.
August 2020
Benallie, Kalle. “Navajo woman was the ‘most loving person,’” Indian Country Today, August 31, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “Diné doctor: ‘It was COVID right in front of me,’” Navajo Times, August 27, 2020.
Howard, Jacqueline. “Covid-19 incidence more than triple among Native Americans, new CDC report says,” CNN, August 21, 2020.
Agoyo, Acee. “Data shows disproportionate impact of COVID-19 among Native Americans,” Indianz.com, August 20, 2020.
Beale, Andrew. “Coronavirus pandemic: Crisis in the Navajo Nation,” NHK World- Japan, August 19, 2020.
Flores. Cristina. “Lawmakers to give $3.9 million in COVID-19 relief to internet for Navajo school kid,” KUTV 2, August 18, 2020.
Zotigh, Dennis. “Returning to School in Indian Country during the Pandemic,” Smithsonian Voices, National Museum of the American Indian, August 14, 2020.
Ciletti, Nick. “Group steps in to help rural Navajo Nation communities with access to running water,” ABC 15 AZ, August 12, 2020.
Reinhart, Katelyn. “Food insecurity amid COVID-19 prompts Native Americans to return to their roots,” Cronkite News (and Navajo-Hopi Observer), August 11, 2020.
Green, Miranda. “Federal Agency to reopen 53 Native American schools despite coronavirus fears,” NBC News, August 10, 2020.
Mansoor, Sanya. “Watch How the Navajo Nation Rallies to Support Its Community in the Face of COVID-19,” Time, August 10, 2020.
Clahchischiligi, Sunnie R. “Navajo elders: alone, without food, in despair,” The Guardian, August 6, 2020.
Goldstein, Joelle. “Members of Navajo Nation Reflect on COVID-19’s Devastating Impact: ‘We Have to Do Better,'” People, August 3, 2020.
NHK Stories featuring Navajo Nation COVID-19 Struggles, August 2020:
July 2020
Torgan, Allie. “With Navajo Nation hit hard by Covid-19, this CNN Hero’s mission to help vulnerable elders has a new urgency,” CNN, July 30, 2020.
Parshley, Lois. “How the Navajo Nation slowed one of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks in the US,” Vox, July 28, 2020.
Morales, Laurel. “Navajo Nation Sees Farming Renaissance During Coronavirus Pandemic,” All Things Considered, KUER 90.1, NPR, July 28, 2020.
“Navajo Nation Flattening of the Curve Continues: Posts only 15 New COVID Cases on Tuesday,” Native News Online, July 28, 2020.
Podmore, Zak. “Remote Navajo Nation homes in Utah have running water for first time thanks to nonprofit DigDeep,” The Salt Lake Tribune, July 26, 2020.
Hogsten, Leah. “For many on the Navajo Nation, getting water requires travel, a wait in long lines and lots of patience,” The Salt Lake Tribune, July 25, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “Council fails to move CARES Act spending,” Navajo Times, July 23, 2020.
Allen, Krista. “‘Wash your hands’: Group builds hand-washing kits for remote homes,” Navajo Times, July 23, 2020.
James, Ian. “Waiting for water: On the Navajo Nation, long lines, scarce resources, but few solutions,” Arizona Republic, July 22, 2020.
Armas, Marissa. “Handling the COVID-19 pandemic: What cities can learn from the Navajo Nation,” KOAT7, July 21, 2020.
See Nick Oza’s video (July 2020), “The push for running water on the Navajo Nation is made even more urgent by COVID-19,” The Republic, AZCentral.com.
Smith, Noel Lyn. “As COVID-19 cases increase in areas near Navajo Nation, more weekend lockdowns announced,” Farmington Daily Times, July 20, 2020.
Perez, Simone. “Coronavirus Is Devastating the Navajo Nation,” Vice News, July 20, 2020.
Norrell, Brenda. “Dineh Philmer Bluehouse ‘The pandemic is a time of paradigm shift, signals need for peace and balance,” Censored News, July 18, 2020.
Farr, Christina. “These doctors and nurses volunteered to battle Covid-19 in the Navajo Nation, and came back with a warning,” CNBC, July 12, 2020.
Thacker, Stacy. “A book for kids: Story focuses on ‘smallest warriors’ to teach about virus,” Navajo Times, July 9, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “Surviving the Coronavirus Crisis: Diné Perspectives: ‘We’re in the middle of a war,’” Navajo Times, July 9, 2020.
Rickert, Levi. “Navajo Nation Surpasses 8,000 COVID-19 Cases,” Native News Online, July 9, 2020.
Dooley, Sunny. “Coronavirus Is Attacking the Navajo ‘because We Have Built the Perfect Human for It to Invade,’” Scientific American, July 8, 2020.
“AirServ to provide COVID-19 relief to Navajo Nation,” General Aviation News, July 4, 2020.
June 2020
Newman, Ethan. “Legislation addresses Navajo water rights,” Moab Sun News, June 26, 2020.
“Dr. Michelle Tom,” in “From the fields of play to the front lines of COVID-19,” ESPN, June 26, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “‘We must return to the teachings of Hozho’: Hataalii Assoc. poised to receive $1M for coronavirus response,” Navajo Times, June 25, 2020.
Corrado, Brent. “Navajo police officer dies of COVID-19, department says,” Fox 10 Phoenix, June 19, 2020.
“This woman is bringing hope to Navajo Nation, despite getting hit hard from COVID-19,” Good Morning America, June 19, 2020.
Philipps, Grégory. “Les Navajos, grands oubliés de Washington, premières victimes du coronavirus,” France Inter, June 19, 2020.
“Utah tribal COVID-19 relief founder provides essential items to Utah’s tribes,” ABC News, June 2020.
Davidson, Jordan. “Federal Judge Orders Trump Admin to Give Native Americans Their Withheld Stimulus Money,” EcoWatch, June 18, 2020.
Hollinshead, Matt. “Three San Juan County runners holding steady after Stage One of Race Across Dine’ Bikeyah,” Farmington Daily Times, June 16, 2020.
Bendery, Jennifer. “Judge Orders Trump Administration To Give Tribes Their COVID-19 Relief Funds,” HuffPost, June 16, 2020.
Cheetham, Joshua. “Navajo Nation: The people battling America’s worst coronavirus outbreak,” BBC News, June 16, 2020.
Pace-Cornsilk, James. “Many Navajo turn to traditional farming to address lack of healthy food during coronavirus pandemic,” The Washington Post, June 15, 2020.
Ballard, Caroline. “Professor Weaves Together History And Family Stories To Make Sense Of COVID-19 On Navajo Nation,” KUER, June 15, 2020.
Furlow, Bryant. “State Investigating Hospital With Coronavirus Policy That Profiled Pregnant Native American Mothers and Separated Them From Newborns,” ProPublica, June 14, 2020.
Furlow, Bryant. “A Hospital’s Secret Coronavirus Policy Separated Native American Mothers From Their Newborns,” ProPublica, June 13, 2020. See also RawStory version of the story.
Volkert, Vida. “NHA: It will take 474 years to meet housing needs: Overcrowded conditions contribute to virus spread,” The Gallup Independent, June 13, 2020.
Podmore, Zak. “Hundreds of Navajo Nation homes might finally get running water,” The Salt Lake Tribune, June 11, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “Shiprock residents still ‘on standby’ for donations,” Navajo Times, June 11, 2020.
Haynie, Devon. “A Doctor Treating the Hard-Hit Navajo Nation Seethes Over Structural Racism,” U.S. News, June 10, 2020.
Donaldson, Amy. “Utah farmers look to Utahns to help them fix broken supply chain, help feed those in need,” Deseret News, June 9, 2020.
Free, Cathy. “Kids in Navajo Nation have limited Internet access. A woman sent them 1,500 books,” The Washington Post, June 9, 2020.
O’Neal, Nathan. “Nurse on front lines of COVID-19 fight on the Navajo Nation dies,” KOB4, June 4, 2020.
Bazhnibah. “Utah family of six contracts COVID; one passes,” Navajo Times, June 4, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “Feds proceed with Chaco drilling plan while tribes distracted by pandemic,” Navajo Times, June 4, 2020.
Blank, David. “A group of eighth graders had to cancel their end-of-year trip. Instead they used the trip fund to help a group in need,” CNN, June 4, 2020.
Yataco, Miryam and Daniel Wildcat. “COVID-19 is threatening some Indigenous tribes with extinction,” Indian Country Today, June 3, 2020.
Nguyen, Rosie. “Dozens of volunteer pilots help deliver 19,000 lbs of essential supplies to Navajo Nation,” ABC 4.com, June 3, 2020.
Martinez, Felicia. “Pilots Delivering Supplies To Hard-Hit Navajo Nation,” KSL TV, June 3, 2020.
“Can the Navajo Nation survive coronavirus?” The Stream, Al Jazeera, June 3, 2020.
Dotson, Bernie. “Diné College Professors Research High COVID-19 Rate on Navajo,” Tribal College: Journal of American Indian Higher Education, June 2, 2020.
Smith-Driggs, Eliza. “Church partners with Farmers Feeding Utah program to help Navajo Reservation amid COVID-19,” Church News, June 1, 2020.
May 2020
Morales, Laurel. “Navajo Nation Loses Elders And Tradition To COVID-19,” KUER, NPR, May 31, 2020.
“COVID-19: 241 Dead on the Navajo Reservation; 5,250 Positive Cases,” Lake Powell Life News, May 31, 2020.
Quintero, Donovan. “First coronavirus-related syndrome affecting children reported in McKinley County,” Navajo Times, May 30, 2020.
Kaplan, Elise and Theresa Davis. “‘Huge disparity’ in COVID-19 death rates for Native Americans in NM,” Albuquerque Journal, May 30, 2020.
Kristof, Nicholas. “Opinion: The Top U.S. Coronavirus Hot Spots Are All Indian Lands,” The New York Times, May 30, 2020.
Godin, Mélissa. “‘We Know What Is Best for Us.’ Indigenous Groups Around the World Are Taking COVID-19 Responses Into Their Own Hands,” Time, May 29, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “As cases pass 5,000, burial issue comes up,” Navajo Times, May 29, 2020.
Hansman, Heather. “How a Lack of Water Fueled COVID-19 in Navajo Nation,” Outside, May 28, 2020.
“U2’s Larry Mullen, Jr donates $100k to Native American relief fund,” Irish Central, May 28, 2020.
Allen, Krista. “In a tiny town, a clinic run by women holds the front line,” Navajo Times, May 28, 2020.
Yurth, Cindy. “Most at risk: COVID-19 aid not getting to everyone who needs it,” Navajo Times, May 28, 2020.
HaLevy, Libbe with Janene Yazzie. “Navajo Nation Covid/Uranium Contamination Connection: Janene Yazzie,” Nuclear Hotseat Podcast, May 27, 2020.
“COVID-19 claims life of Monticello native,” San Juan Record, May 27, 2020.
Torbati, Yeganeh and Derek Willis. “Masks Sold by Former White House Official to Navajo Hospitals Don’t Meet FDA Standards,” ProPublica, May 27, 2020.
Lakhani, Nina. “Why Native Americans took Covid-19 seriously: ‘It’s our reality’,” The Guardian, May 26, 2020.
Whitehorse, Tyrone. “I’m a member of the Navajo Nation, and my people are dying from the coronavirus. We’re facing the virus head-on with limited access to healthcare and supplies,” Insider, May 26, 2020.
Knotts, Brittany and Meghna Chakrabarti. “Inside Navajo Nation’s Fight Against Coronavirus,” WBUR, May 26, 2020.
Gable, Mona. “As Covid-19 tears through Navajo Nation, young people step up to protect their elders,” STAT, May 26, 2020.
Lewis, Sophie. “Navajo Nation spends weekend on strict 57-hour lockdown as virus death toll rises,” CBS News, May 25, 2020.
Goodluck, Kalen. “Covid-19 Is Sweeping Through the Navajo Nation,” Wired, May 23, 2020.
Lewis, Sophie. “Navajo Nation enters strict 57-hour lockdown as virus death toll rises,” CBS News, May 23, 2020.
Piñon, Natasha. “Native American communities are struggling during the pandemic. Here’s how to help,” Mashable, May 22, 2020.
Gresseth, Curt. “Live Mic: Navajo Nation takes on coronavirus onslaught,” KSL Newsradio, May 21, 2020.
Anguiano, Viviann. “The Navajo Nation’s Diné College Faces the Worst Coronavirus Outbreak in the Country,” Center for American Progress, May 21, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “COVID-19 Donation fund untapped as of yet,” Navajo Times, May 21, 2020.
Krisst, Rima. “‘We’re doing the best we can’: EPI director: Command Center Response can be improved,” Navajo Times, May 21, 2020.
Kelley, Klara. “Letters: COVID-19 crisis is partly a water crisis,” Navajo Times, May 21, 2020.
Swensen, Jason. “Latter-day Saints on the Navajo Nation in the thick of the COVID-19 fight,” Church News, May 20, 2020.
Maddow, Rachel. “New Mexico helps Navajo Nation where federal response falls short,” MSNBC, May 20, 2020.
Chavez, Aliyah. “96-year-old Navajo woman becomes an internet hit,” Indian Country Today, May 20, 2020.
“How the pandemic threatens Native Americans-and their languages; Spokane spoken here,” The Economist, May 19, 2020.
Amanpour, “Navajo Nation President: We’re being pushed aside,” CNN, May 19, 2020.
Keller, Jared. “South Korea to send 10,000 face masks to Navajo veterans to honor their service in the Korean War,” Task & Purpose, May 19, 2020.
Richards, Connor. “‘Farmers Feeding Utah’ campaign focuses on delivering lamb to Navajo Nation,” Daily Herald, May 19, 2020.
Sharma, Versha. “Navajo Nation Has Highest COVID-19 Infection Rate In The U.S.” Now This News, May 19, 2020.
“Navajo advocate: ‘Extremely difficult to wash hands’ in Navajo Nation due to scarce running water,” MSNBC, May 18, 2020.
“S. Korea to Provide 10,000 Face Masks to Native American Veterans,” KBS World Radio, International, May 18, 2020.
Heinsius, Ryan, interview with Emma Robbins of the Navajo Water Project, “Coronavirus Outbreak Halts Effort To Bring Running Water To Navajo Homes,” KNAU Arizona Public Radio, NPR, May 18, 2020.
Silverman, Hollie, Konstantin Toropin, Sara Sidner and Leslie Perrot, “Navajo Nation surpasses New York state for the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the US,” CNN, May 18, 2020.
Podmore, Zak. “As the Navajo Nation battles a COVID-19 onslaught, some Utah leaders cry conspiracy,” The Salt Lake Tribune, May 18, 2020.
Benson, Lee. “Utah lawyers rally help for hard-hit Navajo Nation,” Deseret News, May 17, 2020.
Mejia, Garna. “Navajo Nation Hit Hard By Virus, Enters Lockdown,” KSL TV, May 16, 2020.
Klemko, Robert. “Coronavirus has been devastating to the Navajo Nation, and help for a complex fight has been slow,” The Washington Post, May 16, 2020.
Donaldson, Amy. “Labor of love: Navajo isolation puts the focus on food, water and companionship,” Deseret News, May 15, 2020.
O’Neal, Nathan. “Health experts do not believe Navajo Nation has reached its COVID-19 peak,” KOB4, May 14, 2020.
Lynn-Green, Erika and Daniel Packard, eds. “‘Like building a boat while you’re on the ocean in a storm’: A conversation with Jo Overton of Protect Native Elders,” GetUsPPE.org, May 14, 2020.
Weaver, Jennifer. “Relief effort for Utah tribal communities coordinated by University of Utah research aid,” 2KUTV, May 14, 2020.
Yazzie, Ravonelle. “Video: Seeing the Kids Smile,” May 13, 2020.
Hedgpeth, Dana. “The Irish are repaying a favor from 173 years ago in Native Americans’ fight against coronavirus,” The Washington Post, May 13, 2020.
Johns, Wahleah. “Opinion: A Life On and Off the Navajo Nation,” New York Times, May 13, 2020.
“U Law research professor aids in Navajo Nation’s fight against COVID-19,” May 13, 2020.
Fonesca, Felicia and Tim Sullivan. “‘The grief is so unbearable’: Virus takes toll on Navajo,” KOLD, May 12, 2020.
Coleman, Justine. “Doctors Without Borders in rare mission within US sends team to Navajo Nation,” The Hill, May 12, 2020.
Kim, Soo. “100 Dead in Navajo Nation as coronavirus spreading at ‘alarming rate,’ says President of Native American Territory,” Newsweek, May 11, 2020.
Miller, Hayley. “Navajo Nation Now Has More Known COVID-19 Cases Per Capita Than Any State,” HuffPost, May 11, 2020.
Baek, Grace, ed. “‘We are a strong people’: Doctors on front lines against coronavirus in Navajo Nation share their stories,” CBSN Originals, May 11, 2020.
Baek, Grace. “Navajo Nation residents face coronavirus without running water,” CBS News via Yahoo! News, May 11, 2020.
García, Beatriz. “COVID for potatoes: Historic debt unites Irish and Navajo in time of pandemic,” Al Día, May 11, 2020.
Morales, Laurel. “Coronavirus Infections Continue To Rise On Navajo Nation,” NPR, May 11, 2020.
Reneau, Annie. “Navajo Nation is requesting urgent help to protect their elders during the pandemic,” Good, May 11, 2020.
Capatides, Christina. “Doctors Without Borders dispatches team to the Navajo Nation,”CBS News, May 11, 2020.
Carr, James. “The Navajo Nation has officially lost 100 people to COVID-19.” Arizona Republic, May 10, 2020.
Boyette, Chris and Deanna Hackney. “Sioux tribe rejects South Dakota governor request to remove Covid-19 checkpoints,” CNN, May 10, 2020.
“New documentary focuses on coronavirus on the Navajo Nation,” KRQE, May 10, 2020.
Rickert, Levi. “Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes in Showdown with South Dakota Governor over COVID-19 Checkpoints,” Native News Online.Net, May 9, 2020.
Pachelli, Nick. “Rehoboth hospital accused of endangering patient lives,” Santa Fe New Mexican, May 8, 2020.
Iati, Marisa. “She dreamed of leading the Navajo Nation ‘with respect and dignity.’ Then she caught covid-19,” The Washington Post, May 8, 2020.
Krol, Debra Utacia. “‘We never forgot’: Why the Irish are helping Navajo and Hopi tribes hit by pandemic,” Arizona Republic, May 8, 2020.
Lee, Morgan. “New Mexico shopping hub shuts everyone out,” Associated Press, Indian Country Today, May 8, 2020.
Mineo, Liz. “For Native Americans, COVID-19 is ‘the worst of both worlds at the same time,'” The Harvard Gazette, May 8, 2020.
“Navajo nation reels under weight of coronavirus- and history of broken promises,” The Guardian, May 8, 2020.
“Nurses who went viral after Phoenix protest raise thousands for Navajo Nation,” azfamily.com, May 7, 2020.
Coleson, Jennifer. “Letters: Take your business elsewhere,” Navajo Times, May 7, 2020.
Carrero, Nikiya. “NBA player donates food, masks to Standing Rock,” KX Net.com, May 7, 2020.
Kaplan, Elise. “Doctors Without Borders comes to NM to aid tribes,” Albuquerque Journal, May 7, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “CARES Act funding received by tribe, official says,” Navajo Times, May 7, 2020.
DeSantis, Rachel. “Mark Ruffalo, Ellen DeGeneres, More Stars Team Up to Help Navajo Nation Ask for COVID-19 Relief,” People, May 6, 2020.
Norrell, Brenda. “Navajo deaths increase from coronavirus, as U.S. delays release of federal funds,” Censored News, May 6, 2020.
Newton, Creede. “Native Americans look to future amid grim coronavirus numbers,” Al Jazeera News, May 5, 2020.
Pierce, Charles P. “Sometimes, Hope and History Do Rhyme,” Esquire, May 5, 2020.
Friedler, Delilah. “Navajo Nation Is Behind Only New York and New Jersey in Rates of COVID-19 Infection. What Happened?” Mother Jones, May 5, 2020.
“Trump admin. left Native Americans waiting for COVID-19 aid for 39 days,”MSNBC, May 5, 2020.
Guajardo, Adi. “Coloradans come together to help Navajo Nation in New Mexico,” The Denver Channel.com, May 2, 2020.
April 2020
Bitsóí, Alastair Lee. “My COVID journey,” Navajo Times, April 30, 2020.
The Associated Press, “Navajo Nation continues weekend lockdown due to coronavirus,” Missourian, April 29, 2020.
Podmore, Zak. “Donation drive for Navajo Nation coronavirus relief runs through Thursday in Salt Lake,” The Salt Lake Tribune, April 27, 2020.
Becenti, Arlyssa. “One percent of reservation residents test positive for COVID,” Navajo Times, April 27, 2020.
Morales, Laurel. “Navajo Nation Sees High Rate of COVID-19 and Contact Tracing is a Challenge,” NPR, April 24, 2020.
Hutner, Heidi. “Earth Day, Ecofeminism and Racial Injustice in the Year of the Plague, COVID-19,” Ms. Magazine, April 22, 2020.
Groetzinger, Kate. “As COVID-19 Cases Rise On Navajo Nation In Utah, Clinic Steps Up To Help,” KUER, NPR Utah, April 22, 2020.
Groetzinger, Kate. “Navajo Families Without Internet Struggle To Home-School During COVID-19 Pandemic,” NPR, April 22, 2020.
Quintero, Donovan. “A history of epidemics, In past, Navajos survived many epidemics”, Navajo Times, April 19, 2020.
Tuchman, Gary. “Navajo Nation has lost more to coronavirus than 13 states,” CNN, April 17, 2020.
“NIGA Joins Native Organizations to Protect COVID-19 Tribal Relief Funds,” April 16, 2020.
“COVID-19 Across the Navajo Nation,” Navajo Times, April 6, 2020.
March 2020
“In Navajo Nation, coronavirus creates chaos as cases surge,” The Los Angeles Times, March 29, 2020.
Chappell, Bill. “Coronavirus Cases Spike In Navajo Nation, Where Water Service Is Often Scarce,” NPR, March 26, 2020.
Ortiz, Erik. “Navajo Nation confirms first case of coronavirus,” NBC News, March 18, 2020.
Farina King, Ph.D. 