Jonathan Nez to be sworn in as Navajo Nation president
(Noel Smith | The Daily Times | The Associated Press) In this Nov. 6, 2018, file photo, Jonathan Nez, right, stands with his wife, Phefelia Herbert-Nez, at the election night party for his presidential campaign in Window Rock, Ariz.
Fort Defiance, Ariz. • Jonathan Nez will be sworn in Tuesday as the next president on the country’s largest Native American reservation.
He and Vice President-elect Myron Lizer will take the oath of office at an indoor sports arena in Fort Defiance, north of the Navajo Nation capital.
The two easily won November’s general election to lead the tribe for the next four years.
Outgoing President Russell Begaye did not advance beyond the August primary election.
Nez was raised in Shonto and has served as the community’s vice president, as a tribal lawmaker and as a county supervisor. Most recently, he was the tribe’s vice president.
He and Lizer will have to confront a loss in revenue and jobs if a power plant and coal mine close in December as expected.
For over 150 years, The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent news source. Our reporters work tirelessly to uncover the stories that matter most to Utahns, from unraveling the complexities of court rulings to allowing tax payers to see where and how their hard earned dollars are being spent. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without people like you—individuals who understand the importance of local, independent journalism. As a nonprofit newsroom, every subscription and every donation fuels our mission, supporting the in-depth reporting that shines a light on the is sues shaping Utah today.
You can help power this work.
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible