Navajo VP Richelle Montoya Demands Transparency in Sexual Harassment Investigation Report

Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya is calling for the release of a full report following the conclusion of a preliminary investigation into her sexual harassment allegations against President Buu Nygren. The investigation, which lasted eight months, found that no further inquiry was needed, prompting Montoya to seek clarity on the reasoning behind this decision.

“I expect to receive a full copy of the investigation report to come to my own conclusions,” she stated, emphasizing the need to understand which Navajo Nation laws underpinned the findings. Montoya expressed her dissatisfaction with a mere summary provided in a press release and noted that she was informed the complete report would eventually be made public.

As the investigation wraps up, Montoya remains uncertain about whether she will have access to the report. She reached out to the recently fired Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch, requesting the full documentation, but has yet to receive a response.

The investigation initiated by the Attorney General’s Office in April came after Montoya’s public allegations of harassment. During a council session on April 15, she indicated there were issues within the Office of the President and Vice President, later elaborating on Facebook Live that she had experienced harassment during an incident in August 2023, though she did not name the alleged perpetrator at that time.

In a press conference in May, President Nygren acknowledged the accusations, confirming they stemmed from a meeting on August 17, 2023. The investigation’s findings state that Montoya’s account did not constitute sexual harassment under the relevant policies, asserting no violation of criminal laws occurred.

Montoya, however, disagreed with this assessment, claiming that her allegations were dismissed despite her position. “President Nygren did harass me that day in his office, and he has been harassing me every day since,” she told the press, describing a troubling work environment.

In response, Nygren labeled the allegations a “disgraceful power grab” aimed at undermining his presidency. Montoya counters this assertion, insisting that she never sought the presidency, preferring to uphold her role as vice president. “I’ve never tried to grab for power or his position,” she reiterated.

Despite the ongoing tension, Montoya continues her duties at the capitol in Window Rock, operating from the same building as Nygren. Since April, their interactions have been limited, with no direct communication occurring.

Nygren has called for Montoya’s resignation, yet she remains steadfast in her commitment to her role, planning to serve her full term. “It hasn’t been easy, (but) I still do my job,” she affirmed, focusing on projects addressing critical issues like missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.

Even after her authority over various initiatives was revoked, Montoya is determined to advocate for policy updates aimed at safeguarding employees within the Navajo Nation against harassment. She noted a lack of clear guidance on reporting her harassment incident and lamented the outdated policies concerning sexual misconduct.

Since going public, Montoya has received numerous messages from individuals sharing their own harassment experiences, expressing concern over the repercussions of the investigation’s findings. “I know what I saw that day,” she stated, urging others to acknowledge their experiences and report them.