WINDOW ROCK, AZ – This week, Crystalyne Curley was reelected to serve for another two-year term as Speaker of the 25th Navajo Nation Council.
“My number one priority is my people – the ones who don’t have transportation, water, utilities, and who live five miles off the highway,” said Speaker Curley. “We have to think outside the box on how we can get resources and dollars to our people and into the future.”
The Navajo Nation Council chamber was filled as the council opened the winter session. Formal proceedings included the posting of colors by the Chinle High School ROTC, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Miss Navajo 2024-2025 Ranisha C. Begay, and the National Anthem performed by Cleveland Middle School from the Albuquerque Public School District.
After adopting the 2025 winter council session agenda, the council moved directly into Legislation 0004-25, which relates to the selection and confirmation of the Speaker of the 25th Navajo Nation Council.
Council Delegate Danny Simpson introduced an amendment to Legislation 0004-25 to establish a five-minute time limit for each nominee to present their platform in both the first and final rounds of nominations. In the initial round of nominations, Council Delegate Otto Tso nominated incumbent Speaker Crystalyne Curley, who accepted. Council Delegate Germaine Simonson nominated Council Delegate Shawna Ann Claw, who also accepted. Council Delegate Nathan Notah nominated Council Delegate Steven Arviso, who likewise accepted. Council Delegate Herman Daniels nominated Council Delegate Rickie Nez, who agreed to the nomination. Council Delegate Casey Johnson then motioned to close nominations, a motion seconded by Council Delegate Danny Simpson.
The Navajo Election Administration officiated the election process for Legislation 0004-25. After the first round of voting, Speaker Curley received 13 votes, while Council Delegates Claw and Arviso each received four votes. Council Delegate Nez received three votes. A runoff election was held between Delegates Claw and Arviso, in which Claw received eight votes and Arviso received 16 votes, advancing him to the final round.
In his platform presentation, Council Delegate Arviso emphasized the need for improved transparency and communication between the Office of the Speaker, council delegates, chapter leadership, and state and federal leaders.
“From chapter land boards all the way up to the President of the United States, we must strengthen our sovereign position for government-to-government consultation,” said Council Delegate Arviso.
In the final round, Speaker Curley received 16 votes, securing her continued speakership, while Council Delegate Arviso received eight votes.
“As Speaker, I encourage continued support among my fellow colleagues,” said Speaker Curley. “You’ve shaped me into the leader I am today and I respect each one of you. One of our biggest accomplishments has been securing our water rights. This couldn’t have happened without the leadership of our committees and chairs. With my colleagues, I’ve worked to monitor ARPA dollars with a unified goal of not reverting a penny to the federal government.”
Speaker Curley encouraged solution-based leadership that keeps the future of the Navajo people as the priority.