Montoya breaks from Nygren, says she was shut out of decision-making as removal effort advances

PAGE-LAKE POWELL

One day after a resolution was introduced to remove both President Buu Nygren and Vice President Richelle Montoya from office, Montoya released a statement describing deep internal fractures within the Nygren Administration and asserting she had no role in the decisions now under scrutiny.

“I recognize the deep impact this administration’s actions and decisions have had on our people,” Montoya said in a statement issued Saturday morning. “The concern and hurt our people are feeling led to the Navajo Nation Council and their courageous move to introduce legislation to remove both President Nygren and myself as (vice president). I respect them for taking this action as leaders – to hold other leaders accountable.”

Her comments follow Friday night’s introduction of a Council resolution that outlines more than a dozen alleged violations against Nygren and separate findings involving Montoya.

The measure alleges missed reporting duties, hiring actions made without required oversight, unvetted contracts and the misuse of federal relief funds over a two-year period. The resolution states that both leaders failed to uphold the oath of office and breached fiduciary trust duties. It will move through the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee before reaching the full Council, where a two-thirds vote is required for removal.

Montoya says she was shut out of decisions

Montoya said she spent much of her term excluded from core decision-making.

“What I have not had the opportunity to do as the second top elected official of our great Nation, was sit at the table with our president, as equals, as (naat’áanii), and make decisions, plans and strategize together,” she said. “My service was tested, ridiculed and dismissed. I was intentionally sidelined, kept in the dark, and unjustly stripped of my core duties, resources and budget.”

She said she continued fulfilling her responsibilities despite those barriers.

“He did this all in the public too, but still I continued to show up and do the work as the Diné people’s (vice president),” she said. “Let me be clear, I had no involvement in the decisions or actions associated with Buu Nygren. I am responsible and accountable for my own actions.”

Her statement stands in contrast to portions of the resolution that describe actions taken “on behalf of” the Office of the President and Vice President that the resolution states fell outside her authority. The resolution also cites an instance in which Montoya made a public comment about an ongoing investigation, which it alleges was improper.

Curley responds to the resolution’s introduction

Speaker Crystalyne Curley, who is sponsoring the removal resolution, said the document reflects the Council’s responsibility to safeguard public funds and uphold Navajo Nation law.

“Many of our Navajo people and a majority of chapters have adopted resolutions calling for the removal of President Nygren and Vice President Montoya for failing to uphold their oath of office and for numerous allegations, some of which are now filed in court,” Curley said.

She said the measure responds directly to concerns raised across the Nation.

“This legislation reflects the voices of chapters, agency councils, and countless Diné community members who have called for accountability,” Curley said. “Our laws are clear and mandate that leaders must uphold balance, truth, and the highest ethical standards. When they do not, it is the Council’s responsibility to act on behalf of the Navajo people.”

Montoya, in her statement, said she reached her own conclusions about the limits placed on her role over the past two years.

“Since the day I chose to support and campaign for Buu Nygren, I learned firsthand about our Navajo Nation laws and policies, and the ways it is practiced and interpreted,” she said. “The (vice president) carries minimal authority, however, I believe that our leaders before us had good intentions for the (vice president) role.”

She said her focus now is on public trust and stability.

“Moving forward, my focus remains where it has always been – on the wellbeing, safety, and protection of the Diné people,” she said. “The challenges we face as a Nation are too great for self-serving leadership. My commitment is secure and absolute: I always stand with and serve our Diné people.”

The resolution remains under the mandatory five-day posting period before it can be taken up in committee. Delegates have not announced when they expect to consider the measure.

Members of the public may submit written comments by email (comments@navajo-nsn.gov) or mail to the Office of Legislative Services, PO Box 3390, Window Rock, AZ 86515, as the resolution moves forward.

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