I am deeply disappointed in the Navajo Nation Council’s decision to vote down (2-19) Colin Bradley as Attorney General for the Navajo Nation.
This was a true homecoming for the Navajo Nation. Mr. Bradley is a young, bright, and experienced Navajo attorney — yet the Navajo Nation Council failed to confirm him, and did so without any meaningful debate on the Council floor. If an individual of his caliber cannot meet the Council’s standards, it raises serious concerns about our ability to appoint and retain capable leaders.
He is one of our most capable Navajo attorneys. He has extensive experience in Indian law and litigating before state, federal, and tribal courts.
As with others before him, Mr. Bradley was not treated with the dignity or respect he deserves. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — the so-called ‘People’s Chambers’ is becoming a place where misinformation flows freely, decorum is disregarded, and our Navajo professionals are belittled. Rules of order are increasingly being weaponized to protect political agendas rather than to serve the people.
I remain proud of Mr. Bradley and grateful for his willingness to return home to serve the Navajo Nation. His commitment to providing sound legal guidance reflects the kind of dedication our people deserve. Unfortunately, it has become evident that the Council is more focused on personal attacks than on advancing the best interests of our Nation.
This is exactly why so many of our best and brightest Navajo professionals hesitate to return home and serve the Nation. We encourage our young people to pursue higher education, to climb the ladder, to become lawyers, builders, engineers, and leaders — and to bring their knowledge back to strengthen our communities. Yet when they do, they are too often met with criticism and hostility from the very leaders who claim to represent the people.
We cannot allow negativity or politics to discourage the next generation of Navajo leaders from returning home. Our Nation needs their knowledge, their courage, and their heart. We need to uplift one another, to support those who answer the call to serve, and to build a future rooted in respect, integrity, and hope for all Diné.
With Mr. Bradley vacating the position, I have reappointed Kris Beecher to acting Attorney General.