SANTA FE, N.M. — Significant political unrest has surfaced within one of the United States’ largest Native American tribes, as the attorney general of the Navajo Nation confirmed the conclusion of an investigation that found the tribal president not guilty of sexual harassment claims made by the vice president.
The announcement came on Monday, coinciding with the sudden ousting of Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch from her position by the Navajo Nation Council through a 13-6 vote. Notably, there was no public debate or justification provided regarding this legislative action.
This political chaos has been brewing since April, when Richelle Montoya, the Navajo Vice President, made serious accusations against President Buu Nygren, alleging intimidation and sexual harassment stemming from an incident in his office during a meeting in August 2023.
The external legal team that examined the claims concluded that the events in question did not amount to sexual harassment according to tribal policies, nor did they constitute a criminal act under tribal law, as revealed in part of the investigation findings.
Following the announcement, Nygren expressed a sense of vindication and emphasized the importance of healing after this turmoil, along with a focus on future endeavors. However, he cautioned that Branch’s removal without an explanation could reflect ongoing political uncertainty, which may disrupt key governmental projects.
Branch, an attorney with a degree from Harvard and prior experience as attorney general under former Navajo President Russell Begaye, was recently involved in negotiating a settlement aimed at securing water rights for the Navajo Nation and two other tribes facing drought conditions, as well as developing regulations concerning the safe transport of radioactive materials within the reservation.
Montoya expressed her eagerness to examine the full investigative findings once they are publicly available, claiming to have received overwhelming accounts from individuals who have faced harassment in tribal government workplaces. “I want to understand what criteria they used to conclude that I was not sexually harassed,” she remarked, outlining her awareness of widespread frustration within the Council and among the Navajo people regarding the investigation process.
In her statements, Branch declared satisfaction with the thoroughness of the harassment inquiry, affirming that every aspect of potential misconduct was explored. She maintained that expending tribal resources on unsubstantiated allegations that, even if true, do not violate Navajo law is not in the nation’s best interest. She further encouraged tribal employees who believe they have faced sexual harassment to come forward.
However, Branch also disclosed her decision to terminate contracts with the legal firm involved in the harassment investigation, citing her dissatisfaction with the considerable delays in completing the inquiry, which she believed worsened the instability caused by the allegations.
Simultaneously, activities to recall President Nygren are gaining traction, with critics gathering signatures at local centers and flea markets throughout the extensive Navajo Nation, which spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
In a recent assertion, Nygren stated in October that he would strip Montoya of her official responsibilities, asserting that she no longer represents his administration and should think about stepping down. Despite this, Montoya maintains her commitment to working for the betterment of the Navajo people.
