WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — In coordination with the Navajo Nation Election Administration and the Judicial Branch, Lester Yazzie took his Oath of Office at the Navajo Nation Supreme Court to serve as the interim Council Delegate for District 6 (Baahaali, Chilchiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) on Feb. 14.
Yazzie will replace former Council Delegate Seth Damon who resigned on Jan. 22 to take a position as the Deputy Secretary of the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department.
“I’m proud to represent the District 6 Chapters and to continue the vision of bettering the communities for all youth, elders, and veterans,” Yazzie said. “I’d like to thank the District Six Chapters for recommending me as their interim Council Delegate.”
Yazzie was the only recommended individual from District 6 forwarded to the Navajo Nation Election Administration to serve as interim Council Delegate. All District 6 Chapters passed resolutions supporting his appointment.
“On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, I’d like to thank Lester Yazzie for stepping up without hesitation to fill this important position,” Speaker Crystalyne Curley said. “Yazzie knows the importance of keeping chapter projects, legislations, and issues moving forward. I believe he will be an asset to the Navajo Nation Council. Congratulations Council Delegate Yazzie.”
Yazzie is Táchii’nii, born for Tł’ááshchí’í. His maternal grandfathers are Áshįįhí and his paternal grandfathers are Kin Yaa’áanii. He is from Bááháálí, New Mexico.
He is a veteran who previously served as a Legislative Staff Assistant for the Office of the Speaker, where he served as the veteran’s liaison and also worked with the Health, Education, and Social Services Standing Committee. He resigned from his position on Feb. 9.
A special election will be held on March 26 for candidates who filed for the vacant Council Delegate position for District 6.
