New Navajo Nation President Sworn In

By Laurel Morales
May 13, 2015
Russell
Courtesy of Rusell Begaye
Russell Begaye ran on a platform of unity. Analysts say he will need to unite the dueling branches of government to accomplish his goals during his term.
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Laurel Morales
The confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers is the site where developers want to build a gondola ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The project also includes two hotels, a restaurant and cultural center.

The new Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye took the oath of office Tuesday.

As is custom outgoing president, Ben Shelly draped a Navajo blanket over the shoulder of incoming president Russell Begaye. But in an unprecedented move Shelly, asked Begaye to sign an agreement. The two leaders had decided in advance to create a list of projects that Shelly’s administration began and Begaye would commit to continuing, Shelly said.

“There should never be a break in leadership,” Begaye told the crowd. “We should always be working together. Make sure there is no gap between one president and the next.”

That list included plans to build a tram that takes visitors to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, a heavily debated project.

Begaye later said in a statement the agreement he signed "was historical and a symbolic gesture" and the projects on the list are those of the Shelly-Jim adminstration. The statement also said that Begaye's adminstration "does not support the Grand Canyon Escalade project and that his position has not changed."

In his inauguration speech, Navajo Nation Speaker LoRenzo Bates did not ignore what he called the unprecedented challenges and uncertain times that led up to the election.

“It is during these times of uncertainty and challenge I’m reminded just how resilient the Navajo people are,” Bates said.

Bates said the resiliency and voice of the Navajo people will not be drowned out or overruled by any government or entity.

This day comes after months of political turmoil that began when the tribe disqualified a presidential candidate for refusing to prove he spoke Navajo fluently.

Next month the tribe will vote to determine whether to keep the language requirement.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect Russell Begaye's position on the Grand Canyon Escalde project.

Updated May 14, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.