Navajo Nation president denies alleged sexual misconduct
Kalle Benallie
ICT
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren addressed sexual harassment allegations made by Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya on Tuesday, May 28. In a live-streamed press conference, Nygren disputed Montoya’s allegation that he sexually harassed her during a staff meeting in August 2023.
“There was no assault, and there was no sexual content or advances of any nature. I am deeply disappointed and offended that this interaction has been taken out of context. It was only out of concern for her wellbeing,” he said.
Nygren detailed their meeting in which he said he inquired about Montoya’s marriage ending and gave her a side hug. He said it was in effort to show support between the president and vice president, and the hug was never meant to make her uncomfortable.
“She claims I told her she could not leave; this did not happen,” Nygren added.
Montoya said on social media in April that she was “not physically hurt. But I was made to feel that I had no power to leave the room. I was made to feel that what I was trying to accomplish didn't mean anything, that I was less than.”
In a written statement to the Office of the President, Montoya said she tried to leave Nygren’s office four times but was told, “No, just sit there.” She said Nygren ended the conversation by telling her if she started dating or entered a relationship that she should tell him.
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Montoya submitted a complaint and said Nygren’s staff members suggested training for all staff but the person she alleged of misconduct would not be identified. Montoya addressed the rumors of mistreatment that council delegates brought up during the 2024 Special Spring Council Session. She didn’t address her allegations publicly until her social media post on April 16.
“As the Speaker of the Council and also as a mother, I strongly condemn harassment and abuse in any form whether it’s sexual, physical, verbal, mental or emotional. As leaders of our Nation, we have a great responsibility to respectfully listen to the voices of those who are victimized and to promptly address acts of harassment, particularly in the workplace,” Crystalyne Curley, Navajo Nation Council speaker, said after the 2024 Special Spring Council Session and Montoya’s public statement.
The Navajo Times reported in 2023 that former appointees said several female employees within the Office of the President and Vice President experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment. Nygren denied the allegations in December 2023.
Nygren said in his statement that he is only aware of two complaints of his office, one being Montoya’s, the other being a sexual harassment complaint between two other employees. He said one employee was immediately terminated and the case was turned over to law enforcement.
Nygren ended his statement Tuesday by calling for increased protections for Navajo Nation employees, including enacting a workplace safety policy for the Office of President and Vice President, strengthening workplace safety laws, forming a commission on workplace safety, and calling for the Navajo Nation Council to revise personnel policies manuals, including those for the legislative and judicial branches.
Nygren said he will direct the commission to travel around the Navajo Nation, and he will be in attendance. The commission will make a final report to recommend changes to the laws and policies.
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