Association on American Indian Affairs Annual Meeting, New York City, New York, May 8, 1967

Open Access

Abstract

This collection is an address from Raymond Nakai, Chairman of the Navajo Nation, to the Association on American Indian Affairs. Nakai credits former President of the Association and author of 'Laughing Boy', Oliver LaFarge, for siding and encouraging Mr. Nakai in retaliating against forces attempting to squash freedom of expression for the Navajo. Mr. Nakai also speaks to the concerns and needs of the Navajo and American Indian nations which include more housing, a steady work force, quality K-12 education, higher educational opportunities and vocational education. Nakai thanks the association for advocating that American Indians are in an era of self-determination and helping themselves. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Raymond Nakai, a Navajo Indian, was born in 1918 in Lukachukai, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation. Raymond Nakai is noted as being the first modern Navajo political leader serving as Chairman of the Navajo Nation from 1963-1971. As chairman, the issues most important during his tenure were self determination in Navajo Education, reservation unemployment, developing Navajo economy, further development of the tribal government and improving relations with the federal government and surrounding states. Nakai had much unprecedented success as Navajo Tribal Chairman: In 1967 the Navajo Nation Bill of Rights was created, in 1968 Navajo Community College opened being the first tribally controlled community college, the Tribal Scholarship Trust was developed, relations with off reservation natural resource companies began, he was supportive of religious freedom of the Native American Church on the Navajo Reservation. Raymond Nakai led an active personal and political life and was an innovative leader for the Navajo People. The Raymond Nakai Collection contains material documenting his activities as Chairman of the Navajo Nation from 1963 - 1971.