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) [1] |
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]
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] The allegation is currently being investigated by the Navajo Nation Attorney General's office. [9] In October 2024,Nygren announced that Montoya's responsibilities as vice president had been reduced and he suggested she resign from her position. [10]