President of the Navajo Nation

head of government of the Navajo Nation

The President of the Navajo Nation (Navajo: Diné Binantʼaʼí) is the head of government of the Navajo Nation. The office was created in 1991 following restructuring of the national government. The president and vice president are elected every four years, and can only serve two terms in office.

President of the Navajo Nation
Diné Binantʼaʼí  (Navajo)
Great Seal of the Navajo Nation
Incumbent
Buu Nygren

since January 10, 2023
ResidenceWindow Rock, Arizona
Term lengthFour years, renewable once
Constituting instrumentNavajo Nation Code & Treaty of 1868
Inaugural holderPeterson Zah
FormationJanuary 15, 1991
Salary$55,000.00 USD per year
WebsiteOffice of the President of the Navajo Nation

List change

# Image Name Party Term Started Term Ended Vice President of the Navajo Nation
1   Peterson Zah Democratic January 15, 1991[1] January 10, 1995[2] Marshall Plummer
2 Albert Hale Democratic January 10, 1995[2] February 19, 1998[3] Thomas Atcitty
3 Thomas Atcitty February 19, 1998[3] July 23, 1998[4] Milton Bluehouse, Sr.
4 Milton Bluehouse, Sr. July 24, 1998[4] January 12, 1999[5] Frank Chee Willeto (from August 1998)
5 Kelsey Begaye Democratic January 12, 1999[5] January 14, 2003 Taylor McKenzie
6   Joe Shirley, Jr. Democratic January 14, 2003[6] January 11, 2011 Frank Dayish (2003-2007)
Ben Shelly (2007-2011)
7   Ben Shelly Democratic January 11, 2011 May 12, 2015 Rex Lee Jim
8   Russell Begaye Democratic May 12, 2015 January 8, 2019 Jonathan Nez
9   Jonathan Nez Democratic January 15, 2019 Incumbent Myron Lizer

References change

  1. "Democracy Era Begins For Largest U.S. Tribe". New York Times. 1991-01-17. Retrieved 2012-07-07.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "President-elect Albert Hale Plans Changes For Navajos". Kingman Daily Miner. Associated Press. 1995-01-09. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Becenti, Deenise (1998-02-20). "With Law on Heels, Navajo Boss Quits; Hale Steps Down As Navajo Boss". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Navajo name new present - again; Bluehouse appointed". Kingman Daily Miner. Associated Press. 1998-07-26. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Rushlo, Michelle (1999-12-12). "Navajo inauguration is all-day event". Eugene Register-Guard (page 3A). Associated Press. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  6. "Navajo inauguration is all-day event". Indianz.com. 2003-01-08. Archived from the original on 2013-01-26. Retrieved 2012-07-09.