LOW MOUNTAIN, Arizona (AP) — Known as an inspirational and humble leader, with a passion for education and devotion to his people, former Navajo President Peterson Zar walked the 100 miles (160 kilometers) Saturday. He was honored in a funeral procession. From western New Mexico to eastern Arizona.

People lined the roads of the reservation to say a final goodbye to a monumental leader whose life featured education, family, culture, and the Navajo language. He fought tirelessly to rectify wrongdoings against Native Americans.

“He led with compassion and a clear vision of what was right for the people first. Doing the right thing, for the good of the people.”

Zaha’s granddaughter, Kristalyn Curley, who is now chairman of the Navajo Nation Council, said Zaha “has spread hope across the Navajo Nation.”

Zaha died late Tuesday at Fort Defiance, Arizona, surrounded by family after a long illness. he was 85 years old.

Zah was buried in a private funeral at his family cemetery in Low Mountain, Arizona, where he was born.

The procession passed through several Navajo communities, with people putting their hands on their chests and showing signs declaring that Zaha would be missed. I put it up.

Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Lewis said, “All of Indian Country mourns with you today. We mourn the loss of his brilliant intellect, character and wisdom. … We are truly mourning the passing of an era.”

Zaha is Election of first president Influenced the largest tribal reservation in the United States, the Navajo Nation, after the government was reorganized into three branches in 1990 to prevent a concentration of power in the office of the President. At the time, the tribe was reeling from a deadly riot instigated by Tsar’s political rival, ex-Chairman Peter His MacDonald, a year earlier.

Tsar, who also served his term as tribal chief, vowed to rebuild the Navajo Nation. Under his leadership, the tribe now established a multi-billion dollar Permanent Fund after winning a legal battle that found it had the power to tax companies that extract minerals from its vast reservations. Did.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a letter to Zar’s family on Saturday, “President Zar never lost sight of his purpose to stand up for the dignity and respect of the Navajo people. .

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) said in a statement that The Zar “changed the Navajo, and with it, our state.”

Known for his charisma, ideas, and ability to get things done, Za, sometimes referred to as the Native American Robert Kennedy, lobbied federal authorities to allow Native Americans to use peyote as a religious sacrament. rice field.

Zah also worked to ensure Native Americans were represented in federal environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act.

He was noted for his reserved but strict style of leadership, driving a battered white 1950s international pickup truck that was on display outside Saturday’s public reception.

Several speakers said Zah contributed to their determination to attend and graduate from Arizona State University or another institution of higher learning.

“To say Peterson Zar was an advocate for education is like saying there are many stars in the sky. Charles Monty Ressel, president of Dineh College in the state, said.

“He saw it in his life, so he understood the transformative power of education,” Rossell said.

Navajo Nation President Buu Van Nygren said Zaha recently met with tribal leaders to stress the importance of continuing to prioritize children’s educational opportunities.

“He made sure that education was at the forefront of everything he did,” Niglen said.