Titus Nez Sworn In to Navajo Nation Council, Filling District 16 Vacancy

Speaker Crystalyne Curley announced the appointment of Titus Nez to fill a vacant seat on the 25th Navajo Nation Council, representing the communities of Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, and Thoreau. Nez was newly appointed to District 16 after Steven R. Arviso stepped down in January. The six communities had gone without a seated delegate for more than two months.

Titus Nez took the oath of office on March 18, 2026, to represent District 16 on the Navajo Nation Council. The ceremony was held at the Navajo Nation Supreme Court in Window Rock, Arizona, at 2:00 p.m., where Navajo Nation Interim Chief Justice Eleanor Shirley administered the oath, with Speaker Curley also in attendance. The Navajo Nation Council confirmed that family members and supporters from across District 16 joined Nez at the ceremony. Delegate Nez assumed all duties and responsibilities immediately.

Steven R. Arviso resigned as a member of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, effective Jan. 9, to focus on his family and personal endeavors. Arviso had served as an elected member of the Council since January 2023, representing the communities of Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, and Thoreau. He served as a member of the Law and Order Committee and as Vice Chair of the Eastern Navajo Land Commission.

Nez is originally from Rainbow Canyon in Pinedale, New Mexico. He is Tó baazhní'ázhí and born for Bit'ahnii. His maternal grandfather is Naaneesht'ézhi Táchii'nii and his paternal grandfather is Hashk'ąą hadzohí. He is a traditional practitioner and, at the time of his appointment, served as the Community Services Coordinator for Pinedale Chapter. He previously worked with the City of Albuquerque and the Churchrock Chapter as a senior planner and staff assistant, and has served on various school boards, chapter committees, and community organizations.

"I would like to thank my communities for putting their trust and faith in me to finish the work Mr. Arviso was working on. My primary goals are to start moving all the community projects forward. Our chapters have worked hard to bring those dollars to our community for the people and to build trust and accountability for our people," said Nez. He added: "I would also like to thank Madam Speaker Curley for appointing me and allowing me to represent the citizens of District 16."

The appointment of Titus Nez was made in accordance with the Navajo Nation's Election Code and supported by resolutions from the impacted chapters. Under the Navajo Election Code, once the Navajo Election Administration declares a vacancy, the speaker has the authority to appoint an individual to fill the seat on an interim basis, with the recommendation of the affected chapters.

Speaker Curley said at the ceremony: "As Speaker of the Navajo Nation, it is my responsibility to ensure each of our districts is represented and that our people's needs are heard. We are pleased to welcome another young leader to the Council. I am confident that he will serve his communities with great commitment and dedication."

The special session held the day after Nez's swearing-in opened with his introduction, as Speaker Crystalyne Curley acknowledged the Council was operating under unfamiliar procedures. Curley closed that session by welcoming Nez again. The 25th Navajo Nation Council stated it looks forward to Nez's contributions in advancing the well-being, cultural integrity, and self-determination of the Navajo people.