Navajo Nation leaders on Friday signed two resolutions that appropriate funds for employment opportunities for youth, and assist industries hard hit during the pandemic.

One resolution appropriates $4 million for summer youth employment. The community was not able to employ students last summer due to the pandemic, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a press release. 

"With the funding approved today, we will offer the financial support for students and the opportunity to learn new skills as they help their communities," he said. "The funds they earn will help the students cover some of the costs of their education and other expenses. 

The other resolutions appropriates $1.4 million for the Navajo Nation’s Hospitality Enterprise, $15 million for the Gaming Enterprise, $2 million for Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise, and $296,241 for Navajo Nation Shopping Centers Inc.

"Many of the enterprises have also stepped forward to help our people during the pandemic by providing direct financial relief, PPE’s, food and water, and many other contributions," said Vice President Myron Lizer. "The enterprises have done their best to support their employees, especially with medical benefits during this public health emergency, but their resources are limited."

The resolutions are effective immediately with the approval by Nez and Lizer.