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Newest AZ Lawmaker Transforming The Traditional Role Of Caretaker

By Mark Brodie
Published: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 12:16pm

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Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren
Navajo Nation
Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren

The state Legislature’s newest member is starting to get settled. Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren was appointed last month to fill the seat left open in the House when former Rep. Arlando Teller resigned to join the Biden administration’s transportation department.

Blackwater-Nygren represents legislative District 7, which covers the Navajo Nation and other parts of northeastern Arizona. At 25, she’s the youngest member of the house; she also recently graduated from ASU law school.

She points to the influence of former lawmaker and Navajo Nation President Albert Hale as a reason for seeking the nomination.

The Show spoke with Rep. Blackwater-Nygren for more about her time so far at the state Capitol.

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