Navajo Leadership Titles

Almost a century has passed since the Navajo people chose their leaders by standing votes and for much shorter terms. From that time Diné began to choose leaders based on their possessions of wealth and other factors such as geography. The Diné leaders were installed through the traditional spiritual ceremonies before carrying on their responsibilities. Today, Navajo Nation leaders are chosen through the election process established by Navajo Nation election laws. They are installed through taking the Oath of Office. The common elected leaders are the: Navajo Nation President and Vice-President, council members, chapter officials, grazing committees, farm boards, land board members, school board members, and Board of Election Supervisors. At certain points, elected leaders may appoint other Navajo leaders to assigned positions such as Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, Chief Justice, and Attorney General.

Based on the Navajo origin, the proper titles of Navajo leaders at the top level are:

• The 'Aháaji Hózhóóji Naat'ááh (President)

• The 'Aháaji Naat'áji Naat'ááh (Speaker)

• The 'Aháaji Haskééji Naat'ááh (Chief Justice)

• The 'Aháaji Naat'áji Ndaanit'áíi or Naat'aanii (Navajo Nation Council)

Through this study on the Navajo Common Law, a significant leader was rediscovered - the War Chief - 'Aháaji Naayéé'ji Naat'ááh.