Volunteers from all five regions of the Navajo Nation are gathering signatures to trigger the recall of President Buu Nygren, who has accused its organizers of inciting political violence against him and his staff.
Until now, Nygren hasn’t publicly addressed the campaign.
"They have used dangerous rhetoric to incite political violence and to threaten me and my staff," he said at a press conference Tuesday, adding that last week, things went beyond that.
"A disturbed person, enraged by Miss Manuel's words," he said, "charged into our office in response to Miss Manuel’s statements."
Debbie Nez-Manuel is the chairperson for the recall committee.
“There was a day where we shared testimony from some of the people that were really hard, hard and difficult,” said Nez-Manuel. “And I think that probably struck a nerve with him. But you know, we are a peaceful organizing group collecting signatures.”
She said the group is made up of veterans, elders, and community members of all kinds.
"When we're out in the community collecting signatures, we have people who come across angry at us, they drive up really quick,” Nez-Manuel said. “They have these emotional outbursts and we just say, ‘You know what? We wish you well. We’ll continue to fight for you but we understand and respect your opinion.'"
Until June, Nez-Manuel worked as the director of human resources in Nygren’s administration after helping manage his campaign.
Nygren said it’s because of complaints about her allegedly harassing and bullying employees.
"I cannot protect these employees if my human resource director is one of the persons ... guilty of creating a hostile work environment," said Nygren.
Nez-Manuel denied the allegations, indicating what she saw as a growing culture in the Navajo office.
"From what I could see unfolding through the year, the 18 months I was there, he particularly was directing this to the females who worked in his office, and it was not right," Nez-Manuel said.
Nygren added that Nez-Manuel neglected to perform her duties, which she also denied.
“He gave reports and he told council, ‘Debbie’s on this, she’s got it taken care of, she’s doing a good job,’” said Nez-Manuel. “But all of a sudden, when I push back because he’s not following through, all of a sudden I’m a disgruntled employee.”
Still, Nez-Manuel said it’s true that there were times she didn’t follow the president’s orders.
"'Don't give her what she needs. Let her be.' That's what he specifically told me,” she said. "And those are — that's one of the actions I said, 'That's not my role as human resources. He's really confused.'"
She’s referring to Richelle Montoya, the Navajo Nation’s Nygren’s vice president and the first woman to hold the office.
“When an accuser says this is what happened to me, we want evidence, we want video, we want photos, we want all of this,” said Montoya. “But if somebody says I didn't do it, we believe them.”
In April, Montoya said in a social media video that she experienced sexual harassment working in the Navajo Nation office.
"And that is what I was afraid of,” she said, "when I first wrote my statement out, was: People are going to ask me, 'Where’s your proof?'"
It wasn’t until the next month that President Nygren clarified that he was the one accused, saying, "I never sexually harassed or sexually assaulted the vice president or have disrespected her. Or have done anything she is accusing me of doing."
Nygren’s office released a signed letter from Montoya outlining the allegations. Montoya said she wrote it in their office at the urging of their liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
"First, I was still in disbelief that it happened to me," said Montoya. "I was like, this really happened? Is — am I overthinking this? Am I over-feeling this?"
Since then, she said getting things done has been a challenge.
"I have not sat down face to face with President Nygren since last year," Montoya said.
But, she added, it isn’t for lack of trying.
"You would think that president and vice president would sit down and have a meeting to let each other know what's happening, where they've been, what things that they said, so that we can be on board with one another," said Montoya. "But he does not respond to any of my emails or my requests when I ask him for a meeting."
Nygren said he’s been asking for updates.
"I continue to ask the vice president to submit to me her daily schedules and submit progress reports," said Nygren. "She has refused all of these requests."
He accused Montoya of spending on travel unrelated to her duties, which she denied.
"I do not and will not throw my Navajo Nation employees under the bus," said Montoya in reference to her work. "I always let everybody know that our Navajo Nation workforce is not 100% capacity and that the people that are there are doing their very best to get the work that they need done, done."
Now, Nygren is calling for her to step down.
"I sincerely hope the vice president will do the right thing and step aside and allow someone who is ready and willing to dedicate themselves fully to the work of our people," he said.
This includes reassigning all of her projects, not renewing her staff and asking her to return her government vehicle.
"I believe the vice president signing the recall petition was her announcement to the Navajo people of her formal break from this administration," said Nygren.
Nez-Manuel said Montoya often faced opposition that left her unable to do her work.
"There were staff that left his office because he shared a directive with some of the close staff he works with, including me," said Nez-Manuel, "and said not to give her the support she needs."
Montoya alleges that that’s continued, telling KJZZ News: "I wasn't able to give my report at the past two council sessions because of his tardiness."
Nygren said he’s seeking resolution for the hostile work environment that has formed in the office space they still share, but added that he’s determined to remain focused on work.
"We will not be hindered or delayed by self-seeking power chasers who do not want to be held accountable for their actions," Nygren said, "and care more for their promotion than they do for the betterment of the Navajo people."
Montoya said she’s looking toward the future, too.
"He chose me as his running mate, yes," said Montoya. "But the people voted for me, just like they voted for him. And I work for the people, he works for the people. We both need to remember that that is who we answer to."
