WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren announced the appointment of JoAnn Jayne as the Navajo Nation’s Deputy Attorney General today.
Ms. Jayne, born in Shiprock and raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico, is Tábąąhá, born for Kinyaa’áanii. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Industry from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Watershed Management/Hydrology from University of Arizona, and a J.D. from University of Montana School of Law.
She became the first Native American woman to serve as a Justice Court Judge in Montana, elected Justice of the Peace in Lake County in 2012.
In 2017, she was appointed to serve on the Navajo Nation Supreme Court.
Her prior professional experience includes legal work in tribal and state courts, as well as in executive roles: before law school, she worked as a department director for the Navajo Nation Water Management Branch — an experience that motivated her original interest in water rights law.
With this breadth of legal, legislative, and community experience — and deep roots in the Navajo Nation — Jayne brings a blend of tribal knowledge and professional legal expertise to her new role as Deputy Attorney General.
“I am honored to serve the Navajo Nation in this capacity,” Jayne said. “Doing the work of the people is paramount, and justice is the foundation of what we have as a nation. I look forward to the work that will be accomplished in service to our communities.”
President Nygren emphasized that Jayne’s experience and commitment to justice will be invaluable as the Nation continues to strengthen its legal framework and serve its people.