Richelle Montoya | |
|---|---|
| 11thVice 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 11thvice president of the Navajo Nation.[2] She is the first woman elected to the executive office of Navajo Nation.[2]
Montoya is fromTorreon, 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 LakeChapter and is a member of the Na’ Neelzhiin Ji Olta’ Inc. board.[5] In August 2022, Montoya was selected as the running mate ofBuu Nygren during the2022 Navajo Nation presidential election.[6]
Montoya is an advocate for the usage of theNavajo language.[4]
She was married toU.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.[7] Nygren has denied the allegation and in a June 14, 2024 press release, accused thechapters 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]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Vice President of the Navajo Nation 2023–present | Incumbent |
