Tribal and Local Government
Tribal Government
Window Rock, Arizona is the Navajo Nation capital. Since
1989, the Navajo Nation has governed itself using a three-branch system
of government:
• The Executive Branch is headed by the President and Vice President.
Elected
officials
serve a four-year term by the popular vote of the Navajo people.
• The Judicial Branch is headed by the Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation,
is appointed
by the President, and is confirmed by the Navajo Nation Council.
• The Legislative Branch is comprised of 88 members called council delegates
or
the Navajo Nation Council. Legislators serve a four-year term and are elected
by the registered voters of all 110 chapters, the smallest administrative units
of the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Nation Flag
 On
May 21, 1968, the Navajo Nation Council adopted this flag, designed by
Jay R. Degroat, a Navajo from Mariano Lake, New Mexico and selected from
140 entries.(more)
Navajo Tribal Seal
 On
January 18, 1852, the Navajo Nation council adopted the great seal, designed
by John Claw, Jr. of Many Farms, Arizona. The 50 arrowheads outlining
the seal symbolize the tribe's protection within the 50 states. The opening
at the top of the three concentric lines is the east; the lines represent
a rainbow and the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation.(more)
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Local Governance
Local governance occurs through entities called “Chapters,” which
are geographically subdivided populations of tribal members. Each of
the Navajo Nation’s 110 chapters is centered near a population
center.
The Local Governance Act enables tribal members to vote on local economic
development issues, such as the granting of home and business site leases
within the community. Though chapters have significant power in the community
with planning and development, the ultimate authority legally remains
in the hands of the Navajo Nation Council.
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