Council targets five unconfirmed division directors for removal
CANYON POINT, Utah
A resolution introduced in the Navajo Nation Council is drawing sharp lines between the Legislative and Executive branches, recommending the removal of five top division directors who have yet to be confirmed by the Council, some of whom have held their positions for over a year.
The legislation, sponsored by Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton, the chair of the Law and Order Committee, cites specific violations of Navajo Nation law regarding the required confirmation process for high-level executive appointments. The measure, Legislation No. 0093-25, formally recommends that President Buu Nygren remove the following individuals if there is no resolution confirming their appointments by the end of the 2025 Summer Session:
Sherylene Yazzie, the executive director for the Department of Health, who was appointed July 2023; Reycita Toddy, the executive director for the Division of Human Resources, who was appointed July 2024; Tony Skrelunas, the executive director for the Division of Economic Development, who was appointed January 2023; Byron C. Shorty, the executive director for the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, who was appointed July 2024; and Candice Yazzie, the executive director for the Division of Community Development, who was appointed January 2025.
These individuals have been serving in interim or permanent roles for periods ranging from four months to over two years without official confirmation by the Navajo Nation Council, a step required under Title 2 of the Navajo Nation Code, Section 102(F), which mandates that the Council confirm all division director appointments made by the president.
Unacceptable delay
“The Navajo Nation Council hereby expresses its dissatisfaction with the delay,” the resolution states, emphasizing that allowing executive directors to serve indefinitely without oversight weakens transparency, accountability, and the balance of powers within the tribal government.
The resolution notes that Nygren is obligated under Title 2 of the Navajo Nation Code, Section 1005(F)(1) to “faithfully execute and enforce the laws of the Navajo Nation,” including the timely presentation of appointments to the Council.
No formal action has been taken, a lapse that lawmakers say is neither incidental nor legally permissible.
Council asserts oversight role
In recent years, tensions have grown between the Executive and Legislative branches over the scope and pace of executive authority. Critics within the Council have pointed to a pattern of bypassing or delaying confirmation, particularly when the administration wishes to maintain control over high-level appointments without subjecting them to scrutiny.
Charles-Newton’s resolution highlights the Council’s legal authority to confirm or deny appointments, a power that serves as a vital check on the president’s executive discretion.
As of May 22, the legislation has been posted for public review. Written comments, including chapter resolutions, letters, and position statements, may be submitted to the Office of Legislative Services. A final vote on the resolution could come as early as the 2025 Summer Session.
Repeated attempts to reach Charles-Newton for comment were unsuccessful.
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