Oath of Office
Inauguration leaves Shirley backers feeling 'so happy'

Navajo Nation first lady Vikki Shirley holds a Bible for President Joe Shirley Jr. as he takes the Oath of Office for his second term while being sworn in by retired District Judge Evelyn Bradley on Tuesday during the 2007 Navajo Nation Inaugural. [Photo by Jeffery Jones/Independent]

By Natasha Kaye Johnson and
John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — It was a day of happiness and promise.

"I'm just so happy," said former Navajo Nation President Peterson Zah. "I feel like the coach of Boise State."

It was Inauguration Day on the Navajo Nation Tuesday, and an estimated four thousand people, dressed in their best suits and dresses, turned out to witness tribal leaders take their oath of office at the Window Rock fairgrounds.

Dignitaries came from the federal government, the four surrounding states and other tribes including — from San Carlos, White Mountain, Mescalero, Yavapai and Hopi — to witness the swearing in of President Joe Shirley Jr. and Vice President Ben Shelly, as well as the council delegates, Board of Election Supervisors and school board members.

Eyes to the future
As Navajo leaders addressed the crowd, the world-famous gigantic Chilchinbeto Navajo rug "Little Sister," draped behind them.

"Since time immemorial the Navajo Nation has had great leadership," said keynote speaker Ervin. M. Kesswood Sr., the delegate from Tse Daa Kaan Chapter. "The headmen of that past era had a vision."

Leaders such as Barboncito, Narbona and Manuelito wanted future generations to be educated — but without losing the traditions and culture of the Din, Keeswood said.

"We have come a long ways," Keeswood said. But there is still far to go, and today's leaders need to show the foresight and dedication of past generations, he said.

The Nation must not rely on the precious minerals beneath the earth to bring them success, but to mine their hearts and brains and continue to strive for self-sufficiency, Keeswood said.

Following Keeswood's address was the swearing in of Shelly by Chief Justice Emeritus Tom Tso. Shelly was given the option of giving his oath in Navajo or English, and gave it in Navajo. His face was solemn as he gave his oath.

Immediately after the swearing in of Shelly, an Army National Guard helicopter flew over the audience, and an elated crowd cheered and waved.

"This is so awesome," said Honorable Evelyn Bradley, just moments after stepping up to the podium to swear in Shirley. "It's so inspiring to be part of the history."

As Shirley put his left hand on the Bible, held by First Lady Vikki Shirley, and held his right hand in the air, a serious look came over his face.

"I do solemnly affirm that I will support, obey, and defend the Navajo Nation and all the laws of the Navajo Nation," recited Shirley, at the first part of the oath.

The most raucous applause washed over the crowd as the oaths were completed and Shirley began to speak. While most leaders talked about their plans for the next four years in office, Shirley talked about the history of the Navajo people.

Shirley said much has changed inthe last 160 years when the Americans crept westward and "claimed everything between two oceans," Shirley said. But even then, the Navajo were proud and free. "We had aggressive enemies, fought many wars — and have never been conquered!"

Over the years, the Navajo people have endured such trauma — from the Long Walk to boarding schools — and yet have managed to remain a strong people, Shirley said.

Though Indians became American citizens in 1924, they were still not allowed to vote in elections or to have a voice in their own schooling, he said. Once, Navajos were told to learn manual labor because they were not smart enough to become doctors and lawyers, the president said.

A generation ago, the Nation was proud to have one Navajo attorney; today, it was its own Department of Justice staffed by many bright, young Navajo lawyers, Shirley said.

The election season is over and small differences should now be forgotten as the Nation pushes forward, Shirley said.

"Throughout time there has always been more that unites us than divides us as Navajos," Shirley said.

Nostalgic moment
While Shirley and Shelly, as well as the new tribal council were in the spotlight yesterday, it didn't take much for former Chairmen of the Navajo Nation, Peterson Zah and Peter MacDonald, to take over the spotlight for just a few minutes.

The audience was most engaged and listened most attentively to the two leaders as they addressed the crowd, alongside other leaders such as Sen. Albert Hale, Milton Bluehouse, Jr., Leonard Haskie, Marshall Plummer, and Ed T. Begay.

As they began to speak, people listened carefully, and moved from their seats to get their picture and an opportunity to shake their hands.

Zah's humor and frankness while speaking elicited a laugh and cheers from the crowd.

"I don't miss the (Navajo) politics," said Zah, who works and resides in Tempe. "But I miss the people."

An interim speaker
Call it the old Bates and switch. Delegate LoRenzo C. Bates (Upper Fruitland) was selected to officiate at the special session of the council — but the interim speaker's gavel found its way to Keeswood.

The 21st council got off to a bumpy start.

Scheduled to be sworn in at noon, Chief Justice Herb Yazzie began to give the delegate's the oath at 12:07. By Indian Time standards, that's actually early.

After the inauguration ceremonies, delegates grabbed their VIP lunches and went to the council chambers to begin their duties.

Young Jeff Tom (Mariano Lake/Smith Lake) motioned for Keeswood to be named interim speaker.

Fort Defiance Delegate Larry Anderson Sr. objected when Bates called for the vote, noting that there may be other delegates interested in tossing their hat in the ring.

"This is just an amendment," Bates said of the vote. The main motion would still be on the floor.

But Delegate Katherine Benally (Dennehotso) agreed with Anderson.

"The council's credibility is at stake. We are not following a democratic process," Benally said.

But, with no other names put forth, Keeswood became interim speaker by a 70-6 tally.

A new day, an old problem
"This is my first term, and I'm anxious to get going," said Delegate Harry Claw (Chinle).

Another new delegate — Phillip Harrison Jr. (Red Valley/Cove) — agreed with Claw. "I'm looking forward to working with all of you on behalf of our people."

Even returning delegates were swept up in the promise of a new beginning.

"I'm very happy to be here, and very proud to be here," said Hope MacDonald-Lonetree (Coalmine/Toh Danees Dizi). "I hope the Navajo Nation council meets its challenges and makes sound and wise decisions."

Returning delegate Roy Laughter (Chilchinbeto/Kayenta) has a message for the children — follow your dreams.

"A few years ago, I couldn't speak before a crowd — look at me now," Laughter said.

Delegate Elmer Milford (Fort Defiance) knows what he'd like to see the council do: "We've made too much red tape for the Nation. I want to unwind some of that."

One delegate who was not present was New Mexico State Sen. Leonard Tsosie. The Office of Hearings and Appeals threw out his election win over incumbent LaVern Wagner, citing breach of election law.

Tsosie's role as a state senator also collided with Navajo law that prohibits him from also holding a council seat. That issue is currently before the Navajo Nation Supreme Court.

'We are here'It is a proud day for the Navajos, Shirley said. It is a time to celebrate that the Nation has survived, grown and prospered, he said.

"One hundred years from now, 500 years from now and, yes, 1,000 years from now, the Din will continue to be," Shirley said. "I wish I could speak to all the Navajos who ever were and tell them 'We are here.' "

John Christian Hopkins can be reached at hopkins1960@hotmail.com or by calling 505-371-5443.