The president of the largest Native American tribe in the United States announced on Tuesday that he has stripped his vice president of her responsibilities, suggesting she no longer aligns with his administration and urging her to consider stepping down from her role as the highest-ranking female official in the Navajo Nation’s history.

During a news conference livestreamed on social media, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren addressed the ongoing political turmoil that has enveloped the tribe since April. This upheaval was triggered by Vice President Richelle Montoya’s allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment within the administration.

Following Montoya’s disclosure, an independent investigation into her claims was launched. Meanwhile, opposition groups began gathering signatures from the community in an effort to initiate a recall election against President Nygren. The Navajo Nation encompasses parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

In his remarks, Nygren criticized those spearheading the recall initiative and explained his rationale for diminishing Montoya’s role. He accused his opponents of diverting attention from pressing issues that affect Navajo families, including housing, employment, and access to clean drinking water and essential services.

“We will not be obstructed or delayed by individuals pursuing personal power who evade accountability and prioritize their advancement over the welfare of the Navajo people,” Nygren stated.

As Montoya prepared her response to the president’s announcement later in the day, it was noted that she had previously supported Nygren during his 2022 campaign. In April, she took to social media to share her experiences of intimidation and harassment that she claimed transpired during a meeting in August 2023 at the president’s office.

Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch confirmed last week that the investigation into Montoya’s allegations is still underway. While acknowledging that the lengthy process has been frustrating, she emphasized that the investigation involves numerous interviews and substantial documentation review.

Montoya made history in 2023 when she was inaugurated alongside Nygren, vowing to dedicate herself fully for the next four years. During her swearing-in ceremony in Fort Defiance, Arizona, she praised the contributions of women in the Navajo Nation and the significance of the Navajo language, encouraging the community to think seven generations ahead.

Nygren expressed concerns regarding Montoya’s lack of progress on his outlined priorities, claiming she ignored requests for daily schedules and reports while submitting travel requests that did not align with the administration’s goals.

“Everyone in my administration, including myself, is held accountable. The vice president is no exception,” he remarked.

He indicated that Montoya’s choice in September to sign the recall petition directed at him was a clear statement of her departure from the administration.

The recall effort is led by Debbie Nez-Manuel, who was removed from her position as director of the tribe’s human resources earlier this year. Nez-Manuel contested Nygren’s claims of bullying, asserting that her actions complied with legal standards and that any employee complaints arose after personnel decisions.

Describing herself as a well-known Democratic Party organizer, Nez-Manuel criticized Nygren for failing to meet voter expectations and claimed he did not equip the vice president with the necessary resources to thrive. She noted that many recall petition signatories were concerned that older Navajos did not trust the younger generation to take on leadership roles.

“He needs to resign, which would help restore balance to the situation,” Nez-Manuel suggested.

In response, Nygren defended his administration’s actions, highlighting achievements such as connecting more homes to water and electricity services and negotiating significant water rights settlements for the Navajo community.