Zuni officials take oath

Zuni Governor Norman Cooeyate and Lt. Governor Dancy Simplicio greet their constituents during the tribe's inauguration Friday morning. [Photo by Natasha Kaye Johnson/Independent]

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Staff Writer

ZUNI — Despite chilly weather and light snow fall, nearly 400 community members gathered in the Zuni Plaza Friday morning to witness the inauguration of the newly elected tribal leaders.

The inauguration ceremony began with a prayer, followed by the Oath of Office and the official passing of the "Cane of Authority" to newly elected Governor Norman Cooeyate, and Lt. Governor Dancy Simplicio by Head Cique Smith Cachini.

Cooeyate and Simplicio triumphed over former candidates Shirley Bellson, and Edward Wymetewa, in December.

Newly elected leaders sat solemnly in chairs, as Cachini cited an individual prayer, and swore them into office one by one following their oath. Head councilwoman Shelly C. Chimoni, who received the highest number of total votes in the general election, was the first council member to be sworn into office. She is the first female to hold the position.

The ceremony preceded with the swearing in of council members, Dixie J. Tsabetsaye, Carelton P. Albert Sr. (incumbent), Arden Kucate (incumbent), Winona Stacy Peynetsa, and Charlotte T. Bradley (incumbent). Each leader was then given a cane, making them official leaders in the community. Incumbents who were defeated in the race sat directly across from the recently elected leaders, and were present to pass on the cane.

With three women sworn in, it is the highest number of women to serve on the Council.

The ceremony was serene, with community members standing quietly throughout the carrying out of the oaths.

Immediately after the ceremony, community members stood in line to greet the leaders, and wish them well in their new positions. Leaders then began to walk in a single file line from the Plaza to the tribal offices, where they were approached by community members until the time they reached the inside of the tribal building.

Upon entering the building, religious leaders conducted a prayer within the Governor's Office. The prayer was then preceded by a reception, where leaders thanked the community for their support.

Cooeyate spoke frankly about the election.

"I know that we have differences coming from the primaries to this point," said Cooeyate. "It is my hope that we put those differences aside, and work together."

While Cooeyate said he understands that some people may have already decided that he has pre-determined who will be in office, and who will be appointed to certain positions within the government, he asked that they withdraw their conclusions.

"Our words, our actions is what hurts our people the most," said Cooeyate. "From this day on, I have no relatives, but am looking out for everyone's interests."

Though there may be conflicting views, Cooeyate said the community has the same vision and goals, which are to improve conditions for the children, and future of Zuni.

"Zuni is alive and is a viable community," said Cooeyate.

Virginia Chavez, co-chair for the Election Board observed that there were more people present at the inauguration than the previous one, nearly four years ago.

"There's more interest," said. "They're (the community) getting more involved now."

Leaders will begin to settle into their offices on Monday.