New FBI Poster Is a First

Agency had never produced one in a Native American language before
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 13, 2020 6:52 PM CDT
FBI Breaks a Barrier With Poster
This image shows the first poster the FBI has issued in a Native American language, seeking information in the Navajo language.   (FBI via AP)

The FBI has issued its first poster in a Native American language, seeking information in Navajo on the death of a man six years ago on the New Mexico portion of the vast Navajo Nation reservation. Wilson Joe Chiquito, 75, was beaten to death at his home in the community of Counselor in February 2014. The FBI recently released the poster that offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction, the AP reports. It has been shared on social media and posted in Navajo communities, grocery stores and trading posts, said Navajo Police Chief Phillip Francisco. "Having it in both languages, it obviously helps the ability to get tips," he said. "It's a positive thing and it shows the FBI's dedication to helping solve crimes on Navajo by embracing the culture and the language."

James Langenberg, special agent in charge of the Albuquerque division of the FBI, said employees who speak Navajo helped translate the information for the poster. "We already work closely with the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, but we hope this effort will improve our communication with the rest of the Diné," Langenberg said. The FBI said it hasn't produced posters in any other Native American language. "The FBI plans to continue translating regularly in order to ensure we are receiving any and all information possible that may lead us to the perpetrators of these crimes and bringing them to justice," the agency said. The Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. It covers more than 27,000 square miles, making it larger than the state of West Virginia.

(More Navajo stories.)

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