Meet Buu
My family, upbringing, education, and experience have humbled me and molded me into the person I am today. It has prepared me to take this next step on my path and run for Navajo Nation President to represent our people, communities, and our great Navajo Nation.
Ya'at'eeh shi ei Dr. Buu Nygren. Shi ei Táchii’nii nishli, Naa’ádaalts’ósí bashishchiin, Todích'íí'nii dashicheii, doo Naa’ádaalts’ósí dashinali. Tse Lichii da Azkani dee nasha.
(My name is Dr. Buu Nygren. I am Red Running into the Water people, born for Vietnamese. My maternal grandfather is of the Bitter Water people and my paternal grandfather is Vietnamese. I am from Red Mesa, Arizona.)
I am married to Arizona State Representative Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren. Jasmine is Hashtł’ishnii, Ashiihi, Nóóda’í Dine’é Táchii’nii, and Bít’ahnii. Together, we have a beautiful daughter.
I am 35 years old and Dine Bizaad is my first language. I am fortunate to continue to speak our language. Growing up, I was raised in a small 10-ft travel trailer, 6 miles off the paved road, without running water and electricity in Red Mesa. My mother, a single mom, and my grandmother raised me. I lost my mother to alcoholism in December 2020. My mother told me my father and his family were boat people from South Vietnam who came to the United States as refugees. I never had the privilege of meeting or getting to know my father or his family.
Since I was a young child, I have enjoyed attending revivals across Navajo and listening to pastors preach in Dine Bizaad. I am committed to learning more about traditional and NAC teachings, ceremonies, and prayer as an adult. Jasmine and I understand the importance of faith and prayer in all religions.
I received my high school diploma from Red Mesa High School and was the valedictorian of my graduating class in 2006. After high school, I attended Arizona State University and received my Bachelor of Science in Construction Management in 2012. I later received a Master’s in Business Administration from ASU in 2017. In 2021, I graduated with a Doctor in Education specializing in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California.
My wife Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren was also the valedictorian of her graduating class at Monument Valley High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University in Science, Technology, and Society with a concentration in the environment and sustainability. Jasmine also graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University. She is a member of both the Arizona and Navajo Nation bar associations. Jasmine is also an Arizona House of Representatives member, representing legislative District 7.
VALUES
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Honoring our Navajo culture, language, and k’é.
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Results-oriented (get things done) through progressive positive changes.
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Transparency, accountability, integrity, honesty, and respect.
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Inspiration, hope, and inclusive.
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Willing to listen, co-creator, compassionate, and driven.
WORK EXPERIENCE
After three years as the Chief Commercial Officer at the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority (NECA), I resigned to run for Navajo Nation President.
At NECA, I found innovative solutions to build more waterlines, roads, bridges, and bathroom additions across the Navajo Nation. I created relationships with the Navajo Nation Council, division directors, and other entities. By working together, we cut through red tape and streamlined bureaucracy that would otherwise take years to overcome.
I was also the first president of the board of directors for Change Labs. Change Labs is a nonprofit that runs a Navajo small business incubator that provides training and other small business services.
In 2018, I was the vice-presidential candidate for the Navajo Nation in the general election.
Before working at NECA, I spent eight years as a National Operation Trainer and Project Manager for a billion-dollar construction company, crisscrossing the USA, supporting various regional executive leaders and construction project teams. This company is one of the top 100 contractors in the country. We built schools, senior living homes, and public safety facilities nationwide, from Nevada to Florida.
Before beginning my professional career, I worked as a construction laborer and carpenter, digging footings and framing houses. Before that, I was a dishwasher in Farmington, NM. At the age of 14, my first job was as a custodian at Red Mesa High School.
Join Buu
I personally invite you to Join Team Buu. We need your help to build this movement and keep it moving forward. Together we will travel roads, visit homes, make phone calls, put up signs, and host events.
Join Team Buu today, stay updated, and create a better future for all Navajo people.
PHONE
ADDRESS
HC 61 Box 38-786
Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514