In a surprising turn of events, the Navajo Nation Council has dismissed its recently confirmed attorney general, Heather Clah, just a fortnight post-appointment.
On Wednesday, council members voted to terminate Clah’s position without providing a rationale for their decision. Speaker Crystalyne Curley stated, “The Council has acted within its full legal authority. This was a necessary step to ensure our executive legal functions align with the best interests of the Nation.”
Currently, the Navajo Nation lacks a confirmed deputy attorney general. However, President Buu Nygren has swiftly responded by appointing Colin Bradley as the interim A.G. Bradley, an attorney from Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University alumnus, is known for his expertise in Indian law and civil litigation.
Bradley’s credentials include prior experience with the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, particularly in the Natural Resources and Litigation units. President Nygren commented on the council’s decision, saying, “While this decision by the Council is disappointing, my administration remains committed to ensuring stability and continuity in our justice system. Colin Bradley represents a new chapter for the Navajo Nation’s legal leadership.”
The procedure for appointing the attorney general involves selection by the president of the Navajo Nation and confirmation by the council.
This latest development occurs just eight months after Ethel Branch was removed from the same position. Branch had recently completed a preliminary investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against President Nygren by Vice President Richelle Montoya. Her findings indicated that the accusations were unsubstantiated, leading to her removal by council delegates shortly thereafter.
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