Navajo Presidential Candidate Will Have To Prove Fluency

By Laurel Morales
October 03, 2014
Chris
Courtesy of the Deschene 2014 campaign
Chris Deschene says he's a product of cultural destruction. That's why his Navajo speaking skills are limited. But he continues to practice.

A candidate for Navajo president will have to take a test or be called to testify to prove he’s fluent enough in Navajo to be eligible for the seat, the tribe’s Office of Hearings and Appeals decided Friday. 

Last spring Chris Deschene took an oath saying he was fluent in Navajo. He later admitted his language skills needed some work. 

Two of Deschene’s opponents in the primary filed complaints last month. They claim Deschene lied and he’s violating tribal law that requires the Navajo president speak the language fluently. 

Deschene's lawyer said a fluency test would be arbitrary. Deschene said while there are still words he doesn’t understand, he hasn’t needed a translator on the campaign trail. 

All ceremonies, traditions and tribal council meetings are done in Navajo. Most elders speak only Navajo.

Last week the tribal Supreme Court ruled that fluency is a reasonable qualification.

Deschene could be asked to take a test or testify as soon as Monday, when the hearing continues.