Navajo Nation Vice President Seeks Transparency in Harassment Investigation Outcome
The recent closure of a preliminary investigation into sexual harassment allegations has left Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya calling for the full report’s release. Montoya is eager to understand the rationale behind the decision not to advance the investigation further.
Montoya expressed, “I expect to receive a full copy of the investigation report to come to my own conclusions,” emphasizing her desire to discern the specific Navajo Nation laws that directed the investigation and its resolution.
Despite an email assurance that the complete report would be available to the public post-disclosure to Navajo leaders, Montoya remains uncertain whether her vice-presidential status includes her in that group. She reached out to the now-dismissed Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch for the report but has yet to receive a reply. For more on Branch’s removal, click here.
The investigation, lasting eight months, concluded that Montoya’s claims against President Buu Nygren did not meet the criteria for sexual harassment under Navajo Nation policies, as stated in the preliminary findings. The investigators noted, “Vice President Montoya’s recounting of the August 17, 2023, incident does not constitute sexual harassment under policies applicable to either Navajo Nation elected officials or employees covered by the Navajo Nation [Personnel Policies Manual].” Further, they determined no criminal laws were violated.
The Navajo Nation Attorney General’s Office initiated an external investigation in April following Montoya’s allegations of harassment and bullying. Montoya initially disclosed her struggles within the office during the Navajo Nation Council’s spring session on April 15, followed by a detailed account on Facebook Live the next day, describing an incident from August 2023, yet leaving the alleged perpetrator unnamed.
President Nygren later acknowledged in May, during a press conference, that Montoya accused him of improper conduct in an August meeting. Montoya criticized the investigation’s findings, highlighting that even high-ranking officials’ harassment claims could be overlooked. She described ongoing harassment and a hostile work environment created by Nygren and his staff.
Nygren countered the allegations in a press release, labeling them as a “disgraceful power grab” intended to unseat him. Montoya dismissed this assertion, affirming her commitment to her role as vice president, a position she does not intend to usurp.
Despite being in the same building, Montoya and Nygren have not directly interacted since April, with Montoya continuing her duties amid calls for her resignation. She remains focused on her campaign priorities, including addressing missing and murdered Indigenous relatives and implementing initiatives throughout the Navajo Nation.
Montoya continues to champion workplace protection improvements and has been approached by others sharing similar harassment experiences since April. She aims to update policies and procedures for better safeguarding individuals working on the Navajo Nation. Describing the August incident, she stated, “I know what I saw that day,” reinforcing her belief in her account and in those who share their harassment stories.
For more news from the Arizona Mirror, part of the States Newsroom network, visit Arizona Mirror. For inquiries, contact Editor Jim Small at info@azmirror.com.
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