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rfmcdonaldI've been keeping an eye on the politics of the Navajo Nation, thanks to Al Jazeera's coverage.
The new president of the Navajo Nation was sworn in on Tuesday after an election delayed for five months by a dispute over a rival's language ability, and he vowed to uphold the nation's culture and sovereignty while putting forth a pro-business agenda.
Businessman and former Navajo Nation Council member Russell Begaye won the leadership of the largest U.S. Native American tribe after a contentious race last month that was dominated by controversy over a rule that presidential candidates be fluent in Navajo.
In his inaugural address, Begaye spoke of his desire to protect a language steeped in tradition and value.
“Let's not ever be ashamed of speaking Navajo again as we move forward on this awakening of a new dawn,” said Begaye, who drew repeatedly on his campaign slogan, “Awakening of a New Dawn,” when speaking after he took the oath of office in Fort Defiance, Arizona.
He signed an agreement that includes moving forward with a tram — the controversial Grand Canyon Escalade project — that would shuttle tourists from cliff tops to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and other projects he agreed with his predecessor Ben Shelly to push forward. On the list is a rail port that would export crops and coal from the reservation and the pursuit of clean coal technology.
