New chapter officials lay groundwork for investigating alleged abuse of authority at president’s office

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

WINDOW ROCK – The District 17 Council, comprising representatives from the Cornfields, Ganado, Greasewood Springs, Kin Dah Łichí’í, Klagetoh, Steamboat, and Wide Ruins chapters, met on Jan. 8, at the Steamboat Chapter to discuss and vote on issues impacting their communities.

The meeting minutes, documented by District Secretary Tauve Begaye, detail key resolutions and decisions that address governance, infrastructure, and funding priorities.

One of the actions taken by the council was the passage of a resolution calling for an investigation into alleged misconduct and abuse of authority within the Office of the Navajo Nation President and Vice President.

Introduced by Julia Benally, the vice president of the Greasewood Springs Chapter, the reason for the resolution is to hold leadership accountable and safeguard the integrity of the Navajo Nation. During the discussion, Ganado Chapter Vice President Walter Jones acknowledged the difficulty of the issue.

“We took an oath to uphold the laws of the Navajo Nation. This is a very tough subject, but I guess we can just move it to the agency and see where it goes from there,” he said.

Benally stated the allegations were brought up in 2024. “And now we are in 2025. This is a very sensitive issue, but it is very concerning,” Benally said.

Where is the hózhǫ?

Tauve Begaye, the Wide Ruins Chapter secretary-treasurer, said Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya spoke about hózhǫ on Jan. 7.

“Where is the hózhǫ in this? It seems this is going in circles, and the same thing keeps coming up,” Begaye stated on Jan. 8.

Klagetoh Chapter President LaVerne Joe agreed with Begaye and said she assumed “everything was OK,” assessing her decision on Montoya speaking “kindly” at the Fort Defiance Agency inauguration, held at the Ganado High School Pavilion in Burnside, Arizona, which is when Joe, Begaye, and all the District 17 chapter officials were sworn in.

Vice President Montoya urged leaders on Jan. 7, to prioritize planning, budgeting, and teamwork with council delegates to serve their communities. She encouraged the new officials to stay dedicated to the people and emphasized the value of cooperation, prayer, and humility in decision-making.

“Remember what you say today in your oath of office, and I ask that you always continue to pray. Be kind to one another,” Montoya stated in a Jan. 8 press release from the speaker’s office.

Ganado Chapter Secretary-Treasurer Judy James stated that only the president’s office should be targeted.

“I have an inclusion in both offices. President decided not to show up yesterday (Jan. 7) for the inauguration. This should only target his office,” said James.

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Vince James, who was present at the Jan. 8 District 17 meeting, stated the decision to push forward with an investigation was their decision.

“I’m beyond this. Our people need help. Hopefully, we will see the president at the Winter Session (Jan. 27-31),” stated James.

After a thorough debate, the measure passed with four votes in favor and three abstentions from the Klagetoh, Steamboat, and Wide Ruins chapters.

On Tuesday, Delegate James confirmed via text message that a resolution was approved at a Fort Defiance Agency. When asked to provide a comment regarding the passage, James wrote that he would get back to the reporter.

Housing funds

Another resolution discussed was a proposal opposing the equal distribution of $50 million in veterans housing and ARPA housing funds among the five agencies and the 24 Navajo Nation Council delegates. Presented by Benally, the resolution raised concerns about funding allocations and contract management. James clarified that the funds were already under contract, saying, “The $50 million already has a contract. There are three contracts, which the president has signed.” Following this discussion, Benally chose to withdraw the resolution to avoid disrupting the existing process.

In addition to governance matters, the Council addressed infrastructure needs. The Cornfields Chapter, represented by Sharon Smith, presented a resolution requesting $5 million from the Sih Hasin Fund to design and construct waterline extensions for 35 homes in the Navajo Station area.

Delegate James noted that this request was specific to the Cornfields Chapter and emphasized the importance of addressing this pressing need without delay. While some Council members suggested including other chapters with similar needs, Smith and others highlighted the urgency of moving forward. The resolution passed unanimously, with support from all seven chapters.

Elections for leadership positions

The District 17 Council also held elections for its leadership positions. Jefferson Kee of the Steamboat Chapter was elected President, Brunella Yazzie of the Kin Dah Łichí’í Chapter became vice president, and Tauve Begaye of the Wide Ruins Chapter was named secretary. These elections were uncontested, as several nominees declined, leaving the selected individuals as the clear choices to lead the Council.

The meeting minutes also reflected concerns over absent representatives and stalled projects within some chapters.

James submitted a written report, but representatives from several other agencies, including the farm board and District grazing officers, were notably absent. Benally expressed frustration over the lack of progress.

“Our projects seem to be going nowhere without consistent representation,” said Benally.

The next District 17 meeting is scheduled for April 9, at the Greasewood Springs Chapter.

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