Presidential Forum
on the Navajo Economy

July 17, 2026  |  5PM – 8 PM DST
Navajo Nation Time 

A non-partisan platform elevating entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and sustainable growth during the 2026 election cycle. Hosted by Change Labs.

The 2026 Navajo Nation Presidential Forum is not a standard political debate. It is a non-partisan, solutions-oriented platform designed to elevate our community's economic future. Facilitated in Diné Bizaad (the Navajo language) and English by Master of Ceremonies Geri Hongeva, this forum ensures our conversation remains culturally grounded, respectful, and accessible across generations.

Choose Your Experience

Forum Agenda


Doors Open

4:15pm DST


Welcome Address

5:00pm DST


Candidate Introductions

5:30pm DST


Candidate Questions

6:00pm DST


Closing

7:55pm DST


This forum represents the most significant economic-focused event of the 2026 Navajo Nation Presidential Primary. It provides the Diné people with the information needed to cast an informed vote for the future of their economy.

Key Forum Features

With over 300 expected in-person attendees and more joining via livestreams, this is the definitive economic event of the 2026 Presidential Primary cycle. Our economy thrives when small business owners and community members have a seat at the table. This forum provides the Diné people with the direct insight needed to cast an informed vote for sustainable growth and self-reliance.

Why Your Voice Matters

Main Event (In Person)

  • Date: Friday, July 17, 2026

  • Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM DST (Navajo Nation Time)

  • Venue: Diné Ballroom, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

  • Master of Ceremonies: Geri Hongeva

    Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Onsite registration will be available.

Best for those who want to network and see the candidates live.

Watch the live high-definition broadcast surrounded by local business owners and neighbors. You will use our Mentimeter mobile software to submit your economic questions and participate in live polling that feeds directly to the moderator at Twin Arrows.

E*Ship Watch Parties

Tuba City E*Ship Hub
64 Main Street, Tuba City, AZ

Best for Western Agency community members looking for local collective engagement. Refreshments provided for attendees.

Shiprock E*Ship Hub
Unit 10, Tse Bit Ai Shopping Center, Shiprock, NM

Best for Northern Agency community members looking for local collective engagement. Refreshments provided for attendees.

Host Your Own Watch Party!

Bring the forum to your community. When you sign up as a host, we will provide you with the streaming link, a digital hosting kit (with discussion prompts), and instructions to get your entire room connected to the live Mentimeter polling system.

Your living room, local business, community space, or chapter house.

Best for chapter houses, student groups, or families who want to gather locally.

Geri Hongeva (Hongeva-Camarillo)

Geri Hongeva (Hongeva-Camarillo) is a dynamic Navajo media professional, cultural advocate, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience leading public relations and economic enterprise across the Southwest. Originally from Black Mesa, Arizona, she is Yei Dine Tachiinii (Red Running Into The Water Clan) and a fluent Navajo speaker holding a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication from Northern Arizona University. An entrepreneur herself, she founded Native Moto Tours, a unique, land-conscious tourism business, she currently serves as President of Arizona American Indian Tourism Association. 

Hongeva made cinematic history by voicing C-3PO in the landmark 2013 Navajo-language dub of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Her performance marked the first time a woman voiced the golden protocol droid in an official Star Wars capacity.

In December 2021, Geri Hongeva was awarded the prestigious Women in American History Award by the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The award recognizes cultural innovators who have made significant, lasting differences in their communities.

Master of Ceremonies

Mike Sixkiller

Special Guest DJ

DJ Sixkiller’s passion for music began in high school, where he started spinning at house parties and school dances. Entirely self-taught, he has spent more than 20 years perfecting the art of DJing, developing an elite ability to seamlessly mix music, energize crowds, and command the microphone as an emcee.

Throughout his career, DJ Sixkiller has become one of the Southwest’s most respected open-format DJs, performing at some of the region’s biggest events, clubs, festivals, and celebrations. His résumé includes performances for Northern Arizona University (NAU), numerous casinos across Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, nightclubs in downtown Flagstaff, Tucson, Gallup/Farmington, and Albuquerque, as well as countless corporate events, fairs, and private celebrations.

His talent has also earned him opportunities to share the stage with major recording artists, opening for Ashanti & Ja Rule, Lil Jon, and Ice Cube. Beyond concerts, his versatility and professionalism have led to performances for the Phoenix Suns, Talking Stick Resort pool parties, and the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) afterparty in Las Vegas.

Known for his high-energy performances, flawless mixing, and engaging emcee style, DJ Sixkiller continues to create unforgettable experiences for audiences of every size. Whether performing for thousands at a major event or bringing life to a private celebration, he delivers the same level of passion, professionalism, and excitement every time he steps behind the decks.

Confirmed Candidates

Kevin L. Cody: Piñon Chapter • Invited

Johnny Russell Jr.: Nageezi Chapter • Invited

Debbie Nez-Manuel: Klagetoh Chapter • Invited

Larry Noble: Steamboat Chapter • Invited

Donovan Begay: Huerfano Chapter • Invited (Public Contact Information Unavailable)

The following candidates are officially certified on the 2026 Presidential Primary ballot and have been formally invited to participate. Statuses are updated dynamically as campaign details are confirmed.

Invited Candidates

Are you a candidate or campaign representative? Official candidate registration has closed. However, all candidates are welcome to join the event and we commit to creating space for candidates who join without confirmation. Please contact Marian Bitsui at marian@nativestartup.org with any questions.