Navajo Nation Council

23rd Navajo Nation Council
Leadership
Speaker of the Council	Lorenzo Bates
Seats	24 Delegates
Elections
Last election	November 4, 2014
Next election	November 6, 2018
Meeting place
Navajo Nation Council Chamber
Website
http://www.navajonationcouncil.org/

The Navajo Nation Council is the legislative branch of the Navajo Nation Government. The Council meets at the Navajo Nation Council Chamber in Window Rock, Arizona. Councilors are chosen through direct election. The Council is composed of 24 district councilors who represent 110 municipal chapters within the three states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, that make up the Navajo Nation Tribal Government.

The council meets four times a year along with special sessions in the Navajo Nation Council Chamber, and member offices at the Navajo Nation Governmental Campus at Window Rock, AZ. The council delegates represent the districts composed of clustered chapters. Delegates to the Council must members of the Navajo Nation, and be at least twenty five years of age. The Council selects a Speaker to preside over the day-to-day functions of the Council, who is chosen from among the councilors for a term of two years.

Power and Jurisdiction

As codified in the Navajo Nation Code at § 101(B),"The Legislative Branch shall consist of the Navajo Nation Council and any entity established under the Navajo Nation Council.^[1] The Legislative Branch shall not be amended unless approved by majority of all registered Navajo voters through a referendum." ^[2]

Navajo Nation Council Chamber, a National Historic Landmark

Navajo Legislative Overview

The Navajo Nation Council reserves all powers delegated and all powers not delegated. The Navajo Nation Council shall have all powers to discipline and/or regulate the conduct of its members, including removal. The Navajo Nation Council shall have the authority to promulgate rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of its meetings and that of its committees. The Navajo Nation Council shall confirm the appointments of all division directors upon recommendation from the appropriate oversight committee. The Navajo Nation Council shall establish standing committees of the Council and delegate such authority to such committees as it deems necessary and proper for such committees to execute the purposes delegated.^[3]

Line of Succession

§1006 of the Navajo Code instructs, that should vacancy "occur in the Office of President and Vice President, the Speaker shall serve as President of the Navajo Nation until a special election is held." The Code further outlined, that the Speaker shall act concurrently as Speaker and President, and the Speakership shall not be considered vacated.

Current Legislative Delegates

Inaugurated in Ft. Defiance, AZ on January 13, 2015 The 23rd Navajo Nation Council currently represents the 110 Navajo Chapters and Legislative Branch of The Navajo Nation Government. Lorenzo Bates (T'iistoh Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fruitland, Tse' Daa' Kaan, Newcomb, San Juan) is the Current Speaker of the Council and Leader of The Legislative Branch whom was elected on January 26, 2015 to serve the Two Year Speaker Term.

Delegate	Chapters
LoRenzo Bates	T'iistoh Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fruitland, Tse' Daa' Kaan, Newcomb, San Juan
Raymond Smith JR.	Houck, Nahata Dziil, Wide Ruins, Lupton, Klagetoh
Norman M. Begay	Alamo, Ramah, Tohajiilee
Lee Jack SR.	Dilcon, Indian Wells, Teesto, Whitecone, Greasewood Springs
Mel R. Begay	Coyote Canyon, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Tohatchi, Bahastl'a'a'
Nelson S. BeGaye	Lukachukai, Round Rock, Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tse Ch'izhi, Rock Point
Tom Chee	Shiprock
Nathaniel Brown	Dennehotso, Chinchilbeto, and Kayenta
Otto Tso	To'Naneees'Dizi
Seth Damon	Baahaali, Chilchiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh
Jonathan Hale	Oaksprings, St. Michaels
Davis Filfred	Mexican Water, To'likan, Teesnospos, Aneth, Red Mesa
Kee Allen Begay JR.	Blue Gap-Tachee, Cottonwood-Tselani, Low Mountain, Many Farms and Nazlini
Herman Daniels JR.	Tsah Bii Kin, Navajo Mountain, Shonto, Oljato
Leonard H. Pete	Chinle
Walter Phelps	Cameron, Coalmine Canyon, Birdsprings, Leupp, Tolani Lake
Alton Joe Shepherd	Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kinlichee, Steamboat
Jonathan Perry	Becenti, Lake Valley, Nahodishgish, Standing Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, Nageezi, Crownpoint
Benjamin Bennett	Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill
Amber Kanazbah Krotty	Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Red Valley Tse'alnaozt'i'i', Sheepsprings, Beclabito, Gadiiahi/To'Koi
Tachoney Slim JR.	Coppermine, K'aii'to, LeChee, Tonalea/Red Lake, Bodaway/Gap
Leonard Tsosie	Littlewater, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake, Baca/Brewitt, Casamero Lake, Ojo Encino, Counselor
Dwight Witherspoon	Hard Rock, Forest Lake, Pinon, Black Mesa, Whippoorwill
Edmund Yazzie	Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau

Navajo Council

Standing Committees

• Naabik’íyáti’ Committee
  • Subcommittee on Sacred Sites
  • Subcommittee on Government Reform
  • Gaming Task-force Subcommittee
  • Sih Hasin Fund Subcommittee
• Budget and Finance Committee
• Law and Order Committee
• Resources and Development Committee
• Health, Education, and Human Services Committee

As referenced at.^[4]

History

Naachʼid

The Diné created the ceremonial gatherings called Naachʼid which met every 2–4 years or on emergency basis. The traditional Navajo government was organized around the principles of Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí dóó Hashkééjí or the nurturing and protection aspects of governance. Clans chose two representatives to attend these assemblies. The purpose of this ceremony was to protect and nurture the Diné. An individual who was selected to participate in that council was called naalchʼid. Hashkééjí Naatʼááh, translated as war chief, protected the people from any harm, from negative powers and from themselves as they moved away from the principles of Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí. Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Naatʼááh, or peace chief, nurtured the individual, assisting the people to live in accordance with the principles of kʼé, to aide the community to maintain their relationships with all creation.^{[5] [6][7]}

1922 to 15th Council

Former Navajo Council Delegate Katherine Benally [left] speaking to her constituency after the defeat of the proposed Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act.

The Navajo Business Council was created in 1922 by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in order to certify mineral leases on the Navajo reservation. During its first meeting, the council acquiesced to U.S. pressure to grant the oil companies use of the land. In return, the Navajo Nation was promised more land that could be used for subsistence farming and sheep grazing. This first council was headed by Henry Chee Dodge. The first Council consisted of one delegate elected from each of the five agencies, along with one alternate delegate.

After refusing to adopt Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Collier's Indian Reorganization Act in 1934, the Navajo Tribal Council reformed in 1937. The Navajo voters would ultimately reject three attempts at establishing a Constitutional Government over disagreement of lasting legal language.

Until 1984, the Council and Navajo Nation had been supported by funding from the wealth of natural resources on the reservation but in 1984 the council established the Permanent Trust Fund in which 12% of all revenue each year were to be deposited. It wasn't until 2004 that funds from the trust fund could be utilized.

16th Council (1987-1990)

The name Navajo Nation Council and sometimes, the Navajo Nation Tribal Council came into use around mid-term 1989. The name change occurred with the Title II Amendments of 1989 which established the three branch government system used at Window Rock today. This created clear delineation of Executive and Legislative powers and established leadership roles for the executive branch in the President and Vice-President, and the title of the leadership of the council and the designation the Speaker of the Council, and the Speaker Pro Tem.^[8]

17th Council (1991-1994)

The Council was seated in 1991.

18th Council (1995-1998)

The Council was seated in January 1995.

19th Council (1999-2002)

The council was seated in January 1999.

• OnSat Technologies
  • In 2001, the Council approved a service agreement with the Utah-based Internet provider. OnSat was to receive $1.9 million in the first year of contract to provide the 110 chapters with satellite bandwidth.^[9]

20th Council (2003-2006)

The Council was seated in January 2003. Business conducted soon after included the election of Lawrence T. Morgan as Speaker of the Council.

• BCDS Manufacturing Inc.
  • Beginning from 2003 through to 2007, the Council had been heavily invested in a biochemical firm aiming to expand operations in the Shiprock Chapter. The group's Chief Executive Officer was later found to be embezzling tribal assets for personal use. These findings were never used to file any criminal or civil complaints toward BCDS or their executives, or share holders.
  • As an industrial investment advocated for, successfully, by the Shiprock Chapter board the Council aimed to partner with BCDS to build an economic industrial base there. Beginning in 2003 through 2004, the Navajo government invested an estimated $300,000 in the company and retained a 51% ownership stake. BCDS had originally proposed to switch operational function and expand its facility in Shiprock Chapter. The loan guarantee ultimately would cost the Navajo Nation some $2 million USD. The loan came from a tribal fund used as collateral for small businesses.^[10]
• Permanent Trust Fund
  • Fund matures.

Mid-term

In 2005, Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan was elected for his second term as Speaker of the Council.

• OnSat
  • Later in 2005, a tribal audit found that discrepancies over a service contract to provider OnSat Technologies in providing the Chapters with wireless bandwidth.
• BCDS Manufacturing Inc.
  • In 2005, the Council allowed BCDS to receive a loan upwards of two million dollars from a Navajo Dam Escrow Account.^[11] None of the monies met their originally intended purpose, and it was reported later that over a $1,000,000.00 USD was spent on the lavish lifestyle of the CEO, and on luxury homes at Aztec and Farmington, NM.^[12]

21st Council (2007-2010)

The Council was seated in January 2007. Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan was elected for a third term after winning a run-off election against the Fort Defiance Council Delegate Harold Wauneka.

• BCDS Manufacturing Inc.
  • In June 2007, then Budget and Finance Committee Chairman LoRenzo Bates revealed that the Council did not exercise prudent enough due diligence in investing in BCDS.^[13]
  • In a July 17, 2008 Special Session, the Council declared involvement with BCDS a total loss.
• OnSat
  • A 2007 tribal audit found that OnSat had over-billed for service and that the tribe did not comply with procurement policy and issue a competitive bidding process in selecting OnSat per guidelines. OnSat found its federal E-rate program agreements in jeopardy. The program reimbursed between 85% and 90% of the costs associated to provide Internet services to the tribe’s 110 municipal chapter houses.

2008

President announces election to reduce council to 24

On April 29, President Shirley announced a special initiative in his office to reduce the Navajo Council to 24 members from its 2008 88 member chamber. The election would change the dynamics of the Council in 2011.^[14]

• OnSat
  • OnSat Service was disrupted in 2008 over nonpayment disagreements.
• BCDS
  • In December 2008, the Tribe and the Council were forced to pay outstanding debt related to the bad loan given to BCDS in 2005. JP Morgan Chase received $2.2 million from tribal accounts.^[9]

Mid-term

In January 2009, Morgan would be re-elected for a fourth time. The election made him the first Speaker to serve eight years in that capacity in the Council's modern age. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr. addressed the Council in the annual State of the Navajo Nation Address on January 24, 2009. Shirley spoke to his conviction to develop a new governing document for the Navajo Nation. President Shirley, who campaigned to return government to the Diné by government reform.

• Shirley Ouster
  • The first week of October 2009 saw the Council meet in private and special sessions. Then on October 26, the Council voted 48-22 to remove President Shirley from his official duties. The Council had originally included Vice President Shelley. Allegations had begun swirling around the four corners states on improper dealings with Utah-based OnSat Technologies, and a biochemical company at Shiprock, New Mexico.^[15] Shirley's Chief of Staff, and other members of the Senior staff were also removed. It was suggested that Shirley's removal was an act of retaliation by members of the 88 seat Council, upset with Shirley's contributions to the 64 vote reduction.
  • OnSat CEO Dave Stephens and former Navajo Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Office Director Ernest Franklin were not targeted in this action.^[16]
  • On October 27, 2009 members of the Council released a statement addressing the allegations of retaliation and denied them.^[17]
• Discretionary Spending
  • In December 2009, the Navajo Nation Council originally called for a special prosecutor in 2009 to look into the Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr.'s relationship with two companies that had operated on the reservation. Attorney General Louis Denetsosie focused the investigation on the tribe's contractual relationship with the Utah-based satellite Internet company, and the $2.2 million loan guarantee to BCDS Manufacturing Inc. The payments from the Navajo Nation Council's discretionary fund to family members of several legislative branch employees was also focused on.^[18]
• 24 votes and the Presidential Line-item Veto
  • In a Dec. 15, 2009 special election, Tribal members voted 61% to reduce the Navajo Tribal Council from 88 to 24 members. In the same election, Tribal members voted 59% to empower the Navajo President with line-item-veto power.^[19]

2010

At the rise of the Council on January 13, 2010 Council Delegate Jonnathan Nez announced the means of transition and policy changes to Navajo Nation Code Title 22 that would take place in the wake of the majority of the Tribe's membership voting to reduce the size of Council to 24 members.^[20] In a May 28, 2010 decision the Navajo Nation Supreme Court ordered immediate implementation of a redistricting plan.

• Probe of the Council's Discretionary Funds
  • The Special Division of the Window Rock District Court named the prosecutor by January 2010 and began work in early February of that year after a three-judge panel reviewed three applications January 20, 2010. Alan Balaran was hired as the Special Prosecutor. Balaran (who served as the court-appointed special master in the Cobell Indian Trust Fund Case) acted under the jurisdiction of the Special Division. Later, those obligations were expanded to include a tribal ranch program, and discretionary funds given to the Shirley Administration.^[21]
  • In October 2010, a Special Prosecutor for the Navajo Justice Department filed charges against members of the then 88-member Navajo Council three weeks before the November 2nd election.^[22] The investigation would expand into findings of serious misuse of what the tribe called "discretionary funds." The funds were designed to be made available at the direction of the lawmaker for any number of community causes, activities, and emergencies deemed appropriate by the council delegate.^[23]
  • Then Navajo Attorney General Louis Denetsosie outlined allegations which centered on an elaborate conspiracy of members of the council to shifts "discretionary funds" toward family members. The scheme involved participating members to hide the transactions using the vagueness of the law establishing the funds, and the loosely audited manner of dispersing the funds from the legislators offices. The investigation and trials would implicate and continue well into the end of 22nd Council.
  • Suspected Delegates were served official complaints just before the Council convened for the fourth day of their 2010 fall session.
  • At the beginning of November 2010, the Council was unhappy with the Special Prosecutor's focus on legislature's massive misuse of discretionary spending funds, and organized the removal of several functionaries the Council thought responsible. On November 4, 2010, the Council voted 42-0 with two delegates abstaining to order legislation terminating the employment of Attorney General Louis Denetsosie and his Deputy D. Harrison Tso.^[24]
  • On December 23 the council opposed the removal of the Deputy Attorney General in a 3-65 vote. Another bill to remove the Attorney General was never introduced for discussion.^[25]

22nd Council (2011-2014)

24 Votes

On January 11, 2011 the 24 member Council was seated and restructuring of the new 24 member legislative branch began. On January 24, 2011, Delegate Johnny Naize (Blue Gap-Tachee/Cottonwood-Tselani/Low Mountain/Many Farms/Nazlini) was named speaker.^[26]

In May 2011, the President signed the Council resolution CAP-10-11, sent to him by the council amending Title II, of the Navajo Code. Among the changes in the law, was the reorganization of existing standing committees to match the 24 vote membership.^[27]

22nd Navajo Nation Council

22nd Navajo Nation Council, Speaker Johnny Naize from 2011-2014, Pro Tem Speaker Lorenzo Bates from 2014-2015. Delegate David L. Tom resigned late in his term after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, Prosecutors allege Tom and funneled $95,000 in tribal funds to his wife and children in which he later resigned in October 2014,^[28] Tom was replaced by former Interim Navajo President Leonard Hoskie whom was Sworn in to finish Toms Term on December 1, 2014.^[29] Johnny Naize Speaker of The Council resigned early in September 2014 due to him facing 11 counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy which led him to resign and give up his Speaker of Council and Delegate seat. Delegate Lorenzo Bates gained the Speaker of Council Seat in 2014 after Special election for Speaker Pro Temp which Bates won after Speaker Johnny Naize was put on Paid Administrative Leave in early April 2014. Many Farms Chapter’s grazing official and former Council candidate Roland Tso was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Council Delegate Johnny Naize, Tso was sworn in on November 14, 2014. ^[30]

22nd Council Delegates

George Apachito (Alamo, Ramah, Tohajiilee)

Lorenzo Bates (T'iistoh Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fruitland, Tse' Daa' Kaan, Newcomb, San Juan)

Elmer P. Begay (Dilcon, Indian Wells, Teesto, Whitecone, Greasewood Springs)

Mel R. Begay (Coyote Canyon, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Tohatchi, Bahastl'a'a')

Nelson S. BeGaye (Lukachukai, Round Rock, Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tse Ch'izhi, Rock Point)

Russell Begaye (Shiprock)

Katherine Benally (Dennehotso, Chinchilbeto, and Kayenta)

Joshua Lavar Butler (Tuba City)

Lorenzo Curley (Klagetoh, Wide Ruins, Houck, Lupton, Nahata Dziil)

Charles Damon, II (Baahaali, Chilchiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh)

Jonathan Hale (Oaksprings, St. Michaels)

Kenneth Maryboy (Mexican Water, To'likan, Teesnospos, Aneth, Red Mesa)

Johnny Naize (resigned September 2014, replaced by Roland Tso) (Tachee/Blue Gap, Many Farms, Nazlini, Tselani/Cottonwood, Low Mountain)

Jonathan Nez (Tsah Bii Kin, Navajo Mountain, Shonto, Oljato)

Leonard H. Pete (Chinle)

Walter Phelps (Cameron, Coalmine Canyon, Birdsprings, Leupp, Tolani Lake)

Alton Joe Shepherd (Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kinlichee, Steamboat)

Danny Simpson (Becenti, Lake Valley, Nahodishgish, Standing Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, Nageezi, Crownpoint)

Roscoe D. Smith (Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill)

David L. Tom (resigned October 2014, replaced by Leonard Hoskie ) (Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Red Valley Tse'alnaozt'i'i', Sheepsprings, Beclabito, Gadiiahi/To'Koi)

Duane Tsinigine (Coppermine, K'aii'to, LeChee, Tonalea/Red Lake, Bodaway/Gap)

Leonard Tsosie (Littlewater, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake, Baca/Brewitt, Casamero Lake, Ojo Encino, Counselor)

Dwight Witherspoon (Hard Rock, Forest Lake, Pinon, Black Mesa, Whippoorwill)

Edmund Yazzie (Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau)

mid-term

In January 2013, the Council reelects Speaker Naize to a second term.

• BCDS
  • In 2013 Hak Ghun, 62, of Durango, Colorado would be found guilty of tax evasion in his involvement with his mis-dealings at BCDS.^[31] It was found that Ghun funneled $1,078,170.00 UDS in corporate funds to his personal accounts between 2005 and 2007, and failed to pay taxes to the IRS.
• Discretionary Spending Debacle
  • The mis-use of tribal assets by Council members continued to plague the 22nd Council as it did the 21st. In December 2013, a Special Prosecutor appointed by the Council charged Speaker Naize with conspiracy and bribery. Naize was charged along with former delegates Lawrence T. Morgon, David Tom, Lena Manheimer, and George Arthur in misusing over $186K.^[32]
  • On March 11, 2014, Speaker Naize plead "not guilty" to misusing $35,550.00USD and directing the funds to members of his family.^[33] On April 4, 2014 Naize was removed from the Speakership through forced "paid leave" via a unanimous vote. On April 7, 2014 Naize filed a petition with the Navajo Court to restrain the Council from Council action. That morning Speaker Pro Tem LoRenzo Bates convened the Council and assumed his duties as Pro Tem Speaker.^[34] Naize resigned at noon on Sept 29, 2014 from his delegate seat.^[35] Later that year, Speaker Naize changed his plea to guilty, after resigning from his district seat.

Speaker Pro Tem LoRenzo Bates was activated to full the Speakers duties after the delegate Naize's removal & resignation in mid 2014.

Navajo Code Crises

On October 24, just after midnight, the Navajo Council passed legislation amending the Navajo Nation Code. In a vote 11-10-3 the legislation dissolved the language requirement of the qualifications sections for President. The legislation would have retroactively allowed for Chris Deschene's participation.^[36] On October 29, it was reported that Ben Shelly vetoed the bill.^[37]

On the first day of the year, the Navajo Council convened to hear a bill that would hold a primary and general election in June and August 2015. The legislation passed the chamber with over half of the body absent, in a controversial 11-1 vote.^[38] On Monday, January 5, President Shelly in the twilight of his first term in office, vetoed the bill.^[39]

January 7, five assistant-attorney-generals filed petition with the Navajo Nation Supreme Court for clarification on the question of the presidential vacancy issue. Through a controversial agreement and resolution,^[40] referenced as CD-80-14 and CD-81-14, the Court and the Council with LoRenzo Bates - acting Speaker Pro Tem, and Councilor Leonard Tsosie was joined by Otto Tso, councilman-elect, and Amber K. Crotty, Director – Diné Policy Institute as signatories appointed Ben Shelly to act as interim President. The move was in contradiction to Navajo Code § 1006.

23rd Council (2015-2019)

The newly elected 23rd Navajo Council was inaugurated on January 13, 2015, in Window Rock, Arizona. Following The Navajo Nation Council inauguration for the 23rd Council, Delegates convened for a special session to select a speaker pro tem to serve in that capacity until a speaker was selected by the Council to serve a two-year term, Council Delegate Kee Allen Begay, Jr. (Low Mountain, Many Farms, Nazlini, Tachee/Blue Gap, Tselani/Cottonwood) was elected speaker pro tem until the selection of a speaker which he won by a Coin Toss after having a runoff election with Former Speaker Pro Tem Lorenzo Bates whom each received 13 Votes . Kee Allen Begay Served as Speaker Pro Tem Until the Start of the Winter Session on January 26, 2015, after which former Speaker Pro Tem Lorenzo Bates won the Speaker Seat after a runoff election with Alton Joe Shepherd (Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kinlichee, Steamboat) whom along with Bates received 12 Votes Each in which Alton Joe Shepard withdrew his Candidancy citing "for the Council to Unite and Work together".

23rd Council Delegates

LoRenzo Bates T'iistoh Sikaad, Nenahnezad, Upper Fruitland, Tse' Daa' Kaan, Newcomb, San Juan

Raymond Smith JR. Houck, Nahata Dziil, Wide Ruins, Lupton, Klagetoh

Norman M. Begay Alamo, Ramah, Tohajiilee

Lee Jack SR. Dilcon, Indian Wells, Teesto, Whitecone, Greasewood Springs

Mel R. Begay Coyote Canyon, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Tohatchi, Bahastl'a'a'

Nelson S. BeGaye Lukachukai, Round Rock, Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tse Ch'izhi, Rock Point

Tom Chee Shiprock

Nathaniel Brown Dennehotso, Chinchilbeto, and Kayenta

Otto Tso To'Naneees'Dizi

Seth Damon Baahaali, Chilchiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh

Jonathan Hale Oaksprings, St. Michaels

Davis Filfred Mexican Water, To'likan, Teesnospos, Aneth, Red Mesa

Kee Allen Begay JR. Blue Gap-Tachee, Cottonwood-Tselani, Low Mountain, Many Farms and Nazlini

Herman Daniels JR. Tsah Bii Kin, Navajo Mountain, Shonto, Oljato

Leonard H. Pete Chinle

Walter Phelps Cameron, Coalmine Canyon, Birdsprings, Leupp, Tolani Lake

Alton Joe Shepherd Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kinlichee, Steamboat

Jonathan Perry Becenti, Lake Valley, Nahodishgish, Standing Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, Nageezi, Crownpoint

Benjamin Bennett Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill

Amber Kanazbah Krotty Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Red Valley Tse'alnaozt'i'i', Sheepsprings, Beclabito, Gadiiahi/To'Koi

Tachoney Slim JR. Coppermine, K'aii'to, LeChee, Tonalea/Red Lake, Bodaway/Gap

Leonard Tsosie Littlewater, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake, Baca/Brewitt, Casamero Lake, Ojo Encino, Counselor

Dwight Witherspoon Hard Rock, Forest Lake, Pinon, Black Mesa, Whippoorwill

Edmund Yazzie Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau

Speakers of the Navajo Nation Council

• Nelson Gorman Jr. (Chinle) (1995-1997)
• Kelsey A Begaye (Kaibito) (1997-1999)
• Edward T. Begay (Church Rock) (1999-2003)
• Lawrence T. Morgan (Pinedale) (2003-2005)
• Lawrence T. Morgan (Pinedale) (2005-2017)
• Lawrence T. Morgan (Pinedale) (2007-2009)
• Lawrence T. Morgan (Pinedale) (2009-2011)
• Johnny Naize (2011-2014)
• Johnny Naize (2013-2014)
• LoRenzo Bates, (Installed after Naize removal & resignation)(2014-2015) Speaker Pro Tem
• Kee Allen Begay Jr.(January 15–26, 2015) Speaker Pro Tem
• Lorenzo Bates (January 26, 2015 – Present)

Notable Delegates

Council Delegate Kenneth Maryboy informing his supports of Peter Macdonald's endorsement (2010)

• Amos Frank Singer (Kaibeto) Designer of Navajo Nation Seal
• Orlanda Smith Hodge (Cornfields, Greasewood, Klagetoh and Wide Ruins Chapters)
• Leonard Tsosie (Whitehorse/Torreon//Pueblo Pintado)
• Kenneth Maryboy (Aneth/Red Mesa//Mexican Water/Sweet Water/ TeecNosPos)
• Davis Filfred (Aneth/Red Mesa/Mexican Water)
• Young Jeff Tom (Mariano Lake/Smith Lake)
• Lorenzo Bates (Upper Fruitland)
• Larry Anderson Sr. (Fort Defiance)
• Councilmen George Arthur (San Juan, Burnham, Nahenezad)
• Ray Berchman (St. Michael/Oaksprings)
• Ervin Keeswood (Tse Daakaan)
• Hope MacDonald-Lonetree (Tuba City/Coalmine Canyon)
• Johnny Naize (Tselani/Cottonwood/Nazlini)
• Harold Wauneka (Fort Defiance)
• Lorenzo Curley (Nahata Dziil/Lupton/Houck)
• Hoskie Cronemeyer (Houck/Lupton)
• Katherine Benally (Dennehotso)
• Mark Maryboy (Ret.)(Aneth/Red Mesa//Mexican Water)
• Walter Phelps (Birdsprings/Leupp). 2006 Vice Presidential Candidate for Lynda Lovejoy for Navajo Nation President.
• Jonathan Perry (Becenti)

References

1. 2 Navajo Nation Code (2 N.N.C) § 101(A)
2. 2 N.N.C § 101(B)
3. 2 N.N.C. § 102 (A-G)
4. http://www.navajonationcouncil.org/Committees/22NNC_Standing_Committee_and_Support_Staff_Assignments_10DEC2014.pdf
5. http://www.ongd.navajo.org/files/dpiStudyReport.pdf pg25 /* note: this address used earlier does not exist. */
6. David E. Wilkins,"The Navajo Political Experience", 1999, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.,Pages 70-71.
7. For the spelling of Navajo terms: Young, Robert W & William Morgan, Sr. The Navajo Language. A Grammar and Colloquial Dictionary. University of New Mexico Press. Albuquerque, NM: 1987.
8. David E. Wilkins, "The Navajo Political Experience", 2003, Rowman & LIttlefield Publishers, Inc., Pages 92-95.
9. "Marley Shebala's Notebook". dineresourcesandinfocenter.org. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
10. "Special prosecutor to probe allegations of illegal behavior of some Navajo Nation employees". gaeatimes.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
11. [http://www.navajotimes.com/news/2012/0512/051712bcd.php> "Man behind failed BCDS deal faces tax evasion charges"]. Navajo Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
12. "The Navajo Times Online". Navajo Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
13. "Indian Country". Indian Country News. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
14. http://www.navajo-nsn.gov/News%20Releases/George%20Hardeen/Apr08/Navajo%20President%20sets%20council%20reduction%20line%20item%20veto%20plans%20into%20motion%20for%20April%2029%20%282%29.pdf
15. "Navajo lawmakers put tribal president on leave". East Valley Tribune. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
16. Publisher. "Navajo President 'disappointed' with council action". nativetimes.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
17. "Navajo Nation suspends president". Indian Country Today Media Network.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
18. Navajo AG calls for special prosecutor
19. "Navajos vote to reduce size of Tribal Council to 24 - Indian Country News". indiancountrynews.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
20. "Speaker Pro Tem Nez encourages Navajo people, chapter governments to be patient with the 22nd Navajo Nation Council" (PDF). googleusercontent.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
21. Felicia Fonseca (21 October 2010). "Navajo Tribal Vice President Ben Shelly charged in slush fund investigation". DeseretNews.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
22. "Charges filed in probe of Navajo slush funds". azcentral.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
23. Charges filed in probe of Navajo Slush Funds
24. "Council says AG, deputy must go". navajotimes.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
25. "Delegates dump bills to fire AG, deputy". navajotimes.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
26. "22nd Navajo Nation Council Selects Johnny Naize as New Speaker". Indian Country Today Media Network.com. 2011-01-25. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved 2012-12-13.
27. http://www.navajonationcouncil.org/pressReleases/2011/may2011/110511_CAP-10-11-TitleIILegislationSigned.pdf
28. "David L. Tom resigns his position as delegate on the Navajo Nation Council". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
29. "Navajo Nation Council welcomes new delegate". The Washington Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
30. "Many Farms grazing official claims Naize seat". Navajo Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
31. "A year and a day in prison, restitution for tax evasion". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
32. "Former, current Navajo Nation Council members accused of misusing nearly $186K in discretionary funds". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
33. "Current and former Navajo Nation Council speakers plead not guilty to misusing discretionary funds". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
34. "22nd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL - Office of the Speaker" (PDF). googleusercontent.com. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
35. "Marley Shebala's Notebook". dineresourcesandinfocenter.org. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
36. Arizona Capitol Times: Navajo Nation Council passes emergency language requirement repeal. October 23, 2014. Accessed February 15, 2015.
37. "Navajo President vetoes bill, Navajo Nation election still in doubt". blogforarizona.net. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
38. http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/3845d8538e394b10b8a1f54232c1c942/NM--Navajo-President-Election
39. "Navajo president rejects language fluency bill". Navajo Post. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
40. "Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly to remain in office". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved 9 September 2015.

External links

• 22nd Navajo Nation Council
• Navajo Nation Government, History
• Navajo Tribal Government
• Tribal sovereignty in the United States