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Navajo Nation Council votes to remove attorney general, Nygren appoints replacement [1]

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Date: 2025-08

The Navajo Nation Council voted to remove Heather Clah from her position as the Navajo Nation Attorney General, just weeks after her confirmation — the second time the council has removed an attorney general in the last eight months.

The Navajo Nation Council held a special session on Aug. 7 that included emergency legislation sponsored by Council Delegate Rickie Nez, calling for the removal of the attorney general. Nez was also the delegate to sponsor legislation to confirm Clah for the position on July 22.

The council has the authority under Navajo law to remove the attorney general, with or without cause. No cause was given before the council went into executive session to discuss the legislation and then voted to remove Clah, with 11 in favor and one opposed.

“The Council has acted within its full legal authority,” Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley stated in a press release. “This was a necessary step to ensure our executive legal functions align with the best interests of the Nation.”’

There is no Deputy Attorney General to assume the duties of the office. Under Navajo law, the appointment of a new Attorney General or Deputy Attorney General must be recommended by the Navajo Nation President and confirmed by the Navajo Nation Council.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren appointed Colin Bradley, a partner at the Zwillinger Wulkan law firm in Phoenix, where his practice focuses on Indian law and civil litigation.

“While this decision by the Council is disappointing, my administration remains committed to ensuring stability and continuity in our justice system,” Nygren said in a press release. “Colin Bradley represents a new chapter for the Navajo Nation’s legal leadership.”

Bradley is from Flagstaff with experience in state, federal, and tribal courts, according to the Office of the Navajo Nation President. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University in 2011 and his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University in 2014.

Bradley has previously worked with the Navajo Nation Department of Justice in the Natural Resources Unit and the Litigation Unit, where he represented Navajo Nation entities on various legal issues, including uranium claims and cases under the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.

Nygren said Bradley exhibits a calm and focused leadership style during a time when consistency is most needed.

“Colin has decided to come home for the right reasons – to serve our Navajo people and that’s what our Nation needs right now,” Nygren said. “I am honored that Mr. Bradley has accepted this very important appointment.”

In December, the council fired Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch during a special session.’

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[1] Url: https://azmirror.com/briefs/navajo-nation-council-votes-to-remove-attorney-general-nygren-appoints-replacement/

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