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Navajo Nation Council honors outgoing acting Chief Justice Allen Sloan

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LEUPP, Ariz. – Member of the Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee recognized and thanked former acting Chief Justice Allen Sloan for his 28-years of honorable service, during a retirement dinner hosted by the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch Aug. 18.

He served as acting Chief Justice since 2015 and resigned at the end of July due to ongoing health issues.

Speaker LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland) was joined by LOC vice chair Council Delegate Raymond Smith, Jr. (Houck, Klagetoh, Nahata Dziil, Tsé Si áni, Wide Ruins) and LOC member Council Delegate Otto Tso (Tó Nanees Dizi), as he spoke at Friday’s dinner, thanking Chief Justice Sloan for his humble and distinguished service to the Navajo Nation.

“As the Chief Justice, Mr. Sloan always had a seat designated for him during Council sessions at the Council Chamber and we would encourage him to sit at his seat, but he would always insist on sitting with the people in the audience – this was just one example of his humility and his humble character,” Bates said.

Delegate Tso said he is especially appreciative of Chief Justice Sloan’s knowledge and respect for Navajo culture and teachings, and for incorporating Navajo traditions into the judicial process as a means to resolving legal issues and helping Navajo people.

He and Delegate Smith also recalled Chief Justice Sloan’s service dating back to the early 1990’s when he began working with the Window Rock Court District, adding that Chief Justice Sloan was always very supportive of the efforts and initiatives put forth by the Law and Order Committee.

“We thank you for your honorable service as our Chief Justice, and I want you to know that we will always have a seat at the table for you,” Tso said.

The Council members presented Chief Justice Sloan with Navajo jewelry and a saddle blanket as a sign of their appreciation for his service and contributions.

During his remarks, Chief Justice Sloan reflected on his 28-years of service and thanked his judicial colleagues for their support and encouraged them to continue serving and helping the Navajo people to the best of their abilities. He also recognized his family, whom were seated in the audience, and said he appreciates their unwavering support over the years.

Employees and judges from the 11 district courts across the Navajo Nation also took the opportunity to share their memories and to present tokens of appreciation to Chief Justice Sloan during the dinner. Many of his colleagues described him as a very intelligent and humble leader who always took the time to listen and understand cases and situations from traditional and legal perspectives to resolve issues.

Other guest speakers included President Russell Begaye, former Chief Justices Robert Yazzie and Tom Tso, Navajo Nation Bar Association president Lawrence Ruzow, and current acting Chief Justice Thomas J. Holgate.

Former acting Chief Justice Sloan’s resignation took effect on July 31, and current acting Chief Justice Thomas J. Holgate was sworn-in to lead the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch on Aug. 1.