Richelle Montoya
11th Vice President of the Navajo Nation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Richelle Montoya is an American politician who is the 11th vice president of the Navajo Nation.[2] She is the first woman elected to the executive office of Navajo Nation.[2]
University of New Mexico (BA)
Richelle Montoya | |
|---|---|
| 11th Vice President of the Navajo Nation | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2023 | |
| President | Buu Nygren |
| Preceded by | Myron Lizer |
| Personal details | |
| Spouse |
Olsen Chee (sep. 2023) |
| Education | San Juan College (AA) University of New Mexico (BA) |
Montoya is from Torreon, Sandoval County, New Mexico and is Hashtł'ishnii (Mud clan) and born for Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle clan).[3] Her maternal grandfather is Kinłichii'nii (Red House clan), and her paternal grandfather is Táchii'nii (Red Running into Water clan).[4]
She served as the president of the Torreon/Star Lake Chapter and is a member of the Na’ Neelzhiin Ji Olta’ Inc. board.[5] In August 2022, Montoya was selected as the running mate of Buu Nygren during the 2022 Navajo Nation presidential election.[6]
Montoya is an advocate for the usage of the Navajo language.[4]
She was married to U.S. Army veteran Olsen Chee.[5] The pair separated in August 2023.[1]
On April 16, 2024, Montoya accused Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren of sexually harassing her during a meeting in August 2023.[7] Nygren has denied the allegation and in a June 14, 2024, press release, accused the chapters calling for his administrative leave of politically ulterior motives.[8] In October 2024, Nygren announced that Montoya's responsibilities as vice president had been reduced and he suggested she resign from her position.[9] The accusations against Nygen were investigated by the tribe's attorney general during an eight-month period in 2024; the investigation found the claims of sexual harassment to be "not warranted."[10]