FORT DEFIANCE, Arizona — Four former leaders of the Navajo Nation sat together in the front row for a historic photo during Tuesday’s Navajo inauguration. The Dee Houjil Event Center at Window Rock High School in Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Sitting there, they represent much of the history of the Navajo Nation, located on the largest reservation in Indian Country. Together, the four leaders led the Navajo for a total of 35 years.
Attending the swearing-in ceremony of Navajo Nation President Buu Nigren, the youngest person to lead the tribe, were outgoing President Jonathan Nez, former President Dr. Joe Shirley Jr., and Ben Shelley. was. Also present was Peter MacDonald, who served as chairman of the Navajo Nation. After McDonald became chairman, the top leader position was appointed president.
The 95-year-old MacDonald, who was in a wheelchair, was a popular figure among former Navajo leaders.
Former Assistant Secretary of the Interior – India Affairs Larry Echohawk stopped by to introduce Utah Lieutenant Governor Daedra Henderson to McDonald’s. It was also seen that Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays and U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs Arland Teller stopped by to greet him.
McDonald is currently president of the Navajo Code Talkers Association.
Dressed in a traditional vest and black cowboy hat, 75-year-old Dr. Joe Shirley served as president from January 14, 2003 to January 11, 2011. as President of the Navajo Nation.
Shirley sought a third term in the 2018 election. His vice-presidential candidate was the current president, Buu Nigren.
Ben Shelley, 75, wore blue jeans and a tan jacket and served as president of the Navajo Nation from January 11, 2011 to May 12, 2015.
Jonathan Nez, 47, replaced Russell Begay, who was absent Tuesday. His mark on history is that he presided over a tribal state during his COVID-19 pandemic.
In his inaugural address, Nyglen thanked Ned for serving the Navajo Nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has afflicted more than 80,000 Navajo citizens and caused nearly 2,000 deaths.
There were plenty of smiles on the faces of the Navajo Nation past Tuesday.
About the Author: “Levi Likert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Winner of the Print/Online Category of the Best Column Native Media Awards 2021. He serves.He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association.You can contact him at levi@nativenewsonline.net can.
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