Language factors into race for Navajo president
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A candidate for the top elected post on the country's largest American Indian reservation has come under fire because critics contend he isn't fluent in the Navajo language.
Tribal law requires anyone seeking the Navajo Nation presidency to speak the language fluently. Critics say that includes Chris Deschene (des-CHEE'-knee), who faces Joe Shirley Jr. in the November election.
Deschene says fluency is a matter of opinion. He says he's communicated with voters in Navajo and his language skills are improving every day.
The issue came to a head when several Navajo citizens and presidential candidates filed grievances against him. The challenges have been dismissed but can be appealed.
The language is a vital part of the tribe's culture, most commonly spoken among elderly Navajo people as their first language and less so among younger generations.
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