McKinley County Magistrate Judge Brent A. Detsoi has been appointed to serve on the New Mexico Tribal-State Judicial Consortium, a state Supreme Court advisory committee made up of tribal and state judges.

In a press release published by the Administrative Office of the Courts on Aug. 18 it was announced that the state’s highest court appointed Detsoi to a vacant position on the consortium previously held by Española Magistrate Judge Alexandra Naranjo. His term will expire Dec. 31, 2025, but he is eligible to serve two three-year terms following that.

Detsoi, a member of the Navajo Nation, won election to the magistrate court in Gallup in 2022. He is from Twin Lakes in McKinley...

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZ. — Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya announced on Aug. 16 that she and her husband Olsen Chee have decided to separate after 11 years of marriage.

"After many thoughtful discussions, Olsen and I have come to the difficult decision to separate,” Montoya said. "While this is an intensely personal matter, I want to be transparent with the Navajo people I serve. My focus remains fully on my duties as Vice President and continuing to work on behalf of all Diné in support of President Nygren.”

In her statement Montoya went on to say that this personal matter would not affect her duties.

“I’m a mom,” Montoya said. “My priority is protecting my...

Window Rock, Ariz. — The Naabik’iyati’ Committee approved Legislation 108-23, which seeks final approval from the Navajo Nation Council and President to allocate additional funding from the Navajo Nation Veterans Trust Fund set-aside to Navajo veterans programs and services by amending Title 12 of the Navajo Nation Code, on June 22.

The Veterans Trust Fund set-aside is funded through the Navajo Nation Council’s allocation of 4% of all projected annual revenues in the Navajo Nation Comprehensive Budget. Half of the 4% is allocated for veterans programs, services, and benefits and the other half is allocated for the veterans housing program.

Since the establishment of the...

Window Rock, Ariz. — During the Navajo Nation Pride opening ceremony on June 23, Delegate Seth Damon (Baahaali, Chilchiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) signed and sponsored Legislation 0139-23, repealing Title 9 of the Navajo Nation Code so that same-sex marriages are recognized within the Navajo Nation.

In 2005, the 20th Navajo Nation Council enacted Resolution No. CJN-34-05, which prohibited same-sex marriages in Title 9 of the Navajo Nation Code.

“The prohibition against same-sex marriages does not uniformly welcome or support the well-being of all Diné,” Damon said. “The purpose of the legislation I’m sponsoring is to ensure that all Diné are...