The Resource August 2014 Volume 1 Issue 008 | Page 22

I am Hank Whitethorne of Shonto, Arizona. Lok’aa’ Dine’e, born for Hashk’aa hadzohi. I have served many years with Shonto Community Governance, currently United Mine Workers of America Local 1924 President, and aided in a summer council session-2013, for current Navajo Nation (NN) administration to obtain funds from the undesignated reserve for water extension of the western and southern Dine’ Nation. As well as, in the recent negotiation of NN Lease agreement with Navajo Generating Station (NGS). As a Navajo Nation Presidential Candidate, I emphasize my platform with the importance of Rights, Resources, and Sovereignty. I possess the abilities to be a good leader; with honesty, empathy, accountability, confidence, optimism and inspiration to guide my Dine’ people to prosperity. Preserving Dine’ rights is very important to me. My ideals include the foundation of all that created the Dine’ as a whole: Fundamental Law, the Navajo Nation Code, Federal Indian Law, and the original Treaty of 1868. Dine’ constituents need to have the right to speak freely without limitations and understood at every level of the Dine’ government. Dine’ people should hold the inhabitant right to their lands with freedom of beneficial use. Grazing rights should be ruled according to the Treaty of 1868. 22 august Volume 1 Issue 008 The resources of the Dine’ Nation are sacred in every aspect. Let it be natural, financial, human capital, agriculture, language, and culture. They need to be protected, appreciated, and invested in. We have the man power to build a strong, stable, and successful Nation. Developing economically healthy businesses with minimal environmental impact. Sovereignty is a nation having absolute control of itself. The Dine’ Nation needs to have exclusive and final jurisdiction over its territory, as well as the resources and constituents that live within. We are able to be truly sovereign. However present leaders do not understand what sovereignty is. According to Treaty of 1868, the authority of Dine Nation was acknowledged and recognizes as non-negotiable. I never think negative. I am always positive. HOPE is in our Dine’ tradition. “Chaa ho ii’” is to accomplish. I have traveled across my Dine Nation to meet many individuals, a lot of interesting characters, I would like to thank my followers and supporters. I encourage diversity and self identity, it is what makes the Dine Nation grow. I am here for you. Contact [email protected] need ad space? call [phone] or email [email protected]