Diné Civic Center  ·  2026 Navajo Nation Council Delegate Candidate

Richelle Montoya

Interviewed by Cal Nez — Politics on the Navajo Nation (2026)

Candidate Snapshot

Office SoughtCouncil Delegate
Home ChapterNageezi, Counselor, Ojo Encino, Huerfano, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon
LanguagesNot provided

Executive Summary

Former Navajo Nation Vice President seeking council delegate seat. Adaptation platform — 'Be kind or be quiet.' Acknowledges she will get to know her specific chapters at deeper level as delegate vs. all 110 as VP. 'Our kids are watching us.' Cal Nez connection — created Miss Navajo Nation logo.

At a Glance

Professional Background

  • Former Vice President, Navajo Nation; Executive Branch leadership; National-level governance

Leadership Style

  • Humble, community-returned, values-based. 'We have gone through four worlds as a Navajo people. Each time we had to adapt.' Strategic return from national to community level.

Biography & Career

Former Vice President of the Navajo Nation. Home community: Nageezi/Counselor/Torreon area. Returning to community-level service after national role. Worked with all 110 chapters as VP. Now seeks to serve specific precinct more deeply.

Strengths

Former VP experience gives executive branch institutional knowledge; national-level relationships; humility in seeking delegate role after VP; community accountability

Areas for Further Clarification

Platform specifics on chapter issues limited in available transcript excerpt; transition from VP to delegate may be perceived as stepping down by some

Notable Quotes

"Be kind or be quiet."
"Our kids are watching us."
"We have to adapt to social media. We have to adapt to AI."
"I'll get to know my chapters at a different depth."

Interview Resources

Watch Richelle Montoya’s Cal Nez interview▶
Watch Cal Nez Interview
Facebook Page
Contact the Diné Civic Center

Others Running for This Seat

Ben Woody, Jr.Danny Simpson
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Primary source: Official Cal Nez interview, Politics on the Navajo Nation (2026). Production Standard: Diné Civic Center Candidate Page Publication Standard v2.0.
This candidate page was produced by the Diné Civic Center based on the candidate's public interview with Cal Nez (Politics on the Navajo Nation, 2026 election cycle). All observations are based on publicly available information and the candidate's own statements. The Diné Civic Center does not endorse, rank, or recommend any candidate for any office. This page is provided as a civic education resource for Navajo Nation voters.