Navajo President Cleared of Harassment Allegations as Attorney General is Removed

An investigation found no evidence of sexual harassment by President Buu Nygren, but the removal of Attorney General Ethel Branch raises concerns about political instability.

• An independent investigation concluded that Navajo President Buu Nygren did not sexually harass Vice President Richelle Montoya during an August 2023 meeting.
• The investigation determined the allegations did not violate Navajo Nation policies or laws, and no further inquiry is warranted.
• Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch, who oversaw the investigation, was removed from office by a 13-6 vote of the Navajo Nation Council without public discussion.
• Branch criticized delays in the investigation, stating they contributed to ongoing political instability within the Navajo government.
• Nygren called for healing and moving forward, while Montoya expressed frustration with the findings and said she would review the full report once it is publicly released.

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