Jonathan Nez

The following is a transcript of an interview with Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez that aired Sunday, April 4, 2021, on "Face the Nation." MARGARET BRENNAN: Native American communities have seen the highest rates of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths of any racial or ethnic group in this country. Jonathan Nez is president of the Navajo Nation, which considers itself the largest tribe by land and population and spans northeast Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. Good morning to you.

The Navajo Nation has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Over 29,000 Navajo citizens have been infected, with over 1,000 COVID fatalities reported. Efforts to get vaccines on tribal lands are showing signs of promise and the nation’s goal of 100,000 vaccinated by the end of the month looks possible. President Jonathan Nez spoke about all of this and more in this conversation.

As of Tuesday, the Navajo Nation has reported a total of over 22,500 cases and 781 deaths since the pandemic began. Tribal President Jonathan Nez says those 75 and older, as well as teachers, will be among the next eligible group to get the vaccine. Nez plans to set the example by getting the vaccine during Thursday’s virtual town hall meeting.