Thursday, March 28, 2024

Wives push faith, family as cornerstones of Nation

Wives push faith, family as cornerstones of Nation

FORT DEFIANCE

As the first lady of the Navajo Nation, Phefelia Herbert-Nez said first and foremost she is a mother and home-school teacher of her two sons and the wife of her husband, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Humbled by becoming the first lady, a position that has been vacant since 2015, she expressed that “love conquers all” and “compassion is just as powerful as love.”

“As a daughter, mother and wife I have come to realize that the foundation of our great Navajo Nation are built on four important concepts,” said Herbert-Nez, “love, compassion, faith and family.”\

Like her husband, Jonathan, has done many times, Herbert-Nez challenged the Navajo Nation. But her challenge, she said, is to “open your heart,” such as giving simple words of encouragement, which could change not only a person’s day but the path of the Nation for the better.

“To open our hearts for the people in need would present opportunities,” said Herbert-Nez. “One way to give back to the people is through volunteerism.”


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About The Author

Arlyssa Becenti

Arlyssa Becenti reported on Navajo Nation Council and Office of the President and Vice President. Her clans are Nát'oh dine'é Táchii'nii, Bit'ahnii, Kin łichii'nii, Kiyaa'áanii. She’s originally from Fort Defiance and has a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. Before working for the Navajo Times she was a reporter for the Gallup Independent.

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