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] This allegation followed a month after a former Nygren staffer accused Montoya of sexually harassing him during a January 2023 incident.[8] Nygren has denied the allegation and in a June 14, 2024 press release, accused Chapters calling for his administrative leave of politically ulterior motives.[9] The allegation is currently being investigated by the Navajo Nation Attorney General's office.[10]