WINDOW ROCK, Navajo Nation — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Vice President Richelle Montoya and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren on Monday congratulated the newly-elected Speaker of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, Honorable Crystalyne Curley.
Speaker Curley’s election comes on the first day of the 2023 Winter Session of the Navajo Nation Council, making her the chief of the Navajo Nation Legislative Branch. The election is historic, as it is the first time a Navajo woman has been elected to the speakership.
“We congratulate Speaker Curley today,” said President Nygren. “We continue to move forward, as a nation.”
The daughter of Marilyn and Ray Curley, Speaker Curley is Tsenjikini (Cliff Dweller Clan), born for To’aheedliinii (Water Flowing Together Clan). Her maternal and paternal grandfathers are Kinyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). She is the eldest of five children, and her siblings include Lisa, Cheryl, Leander and Ravenna.
President Nygren and Navajo Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice JoAnn Jayne joined Speaker Curley after the council voted to recess for the evening at the council chamber in Window Rock.
President Nygren and his executive branch team watched the voting from the Office of the President and Vice President into Monday evening. Prepared to give his state of the nation address following the speaker’s election, he welcomed the opportunity to walk over to the chamber to share his congratulations when the council approved its recess for the day.
President Nygren will deliver the state of the nation when the council reconvenes Tuesday morning.
“This is historic,” said Vice President Montoya. “The Navajo people have chosen a diverse group of leaders that will lead us.” She expressed appreciation for the leadership of Navajo women who came before and the inspiration they gave to many children.
The council chamber was filled with elected leaders, Navajo Nation employees, members of the public and others who joined the session on the first day of the chamber’s reopening.
Speaker Curley also represents the communities of Tselaní/ Cottonwood, Nazlini, Blue Gap/ Tachee, Low Mountain and Many Farms on the council.
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