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 Open4:15pm DST
Welcome Address5:00pm DST
Candidate Introductions5:30pm DST
Candidate Questions6:00pm DST
Closing7:55pm 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
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Questions are specifically curated to address the challenges of small business owners, regional trade, and the Navajo workforce.
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Facilitated by a fluent Navajo-speaking Master of Ceremonies, the forum ensures the conversation is culturally grounded and accessible to all generations.
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The program includes a community segment featuring questions from community members that are submitted and upvoted in our voting software.
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Attendees (both in-person and at satellite hubs) will use Mentimeter technology to participate in live polling and submit questions directly to the moderator.
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
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Tonalea Chapter
FacebookDr. Jordon Begay, DHSc, MHA, CHES, CPH is of the Navajo Nation from Tonalea, Arizona. Jordon is of the Deer Spring Bitter Water clan of Rat Springs - Wildcat Peak, Arizona. He is born for the Towering House clan of Tolani Lake, Arizona.
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Shiprock Chapter
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Shiprock Chapter,
Website | FacebookAlexander Chambers is a businessman, former correctional officer, consultant, and Chambers Steakhouse owner from Farmington, New Mexico. He has worked in private business, economic development, and community leadership across the Navajo Nation and surrounding regions. Chambers is focused on advancing economic sovereignty, infrastructure development, job creation, and government accountability for the Navajo people. His campaign platform emphasizes strengthening local economies, supporting Navajo-owned businesses, improving access to housing, water, and energy, and building long-term opportunities for future generations through stronger leadership and strategic economic reform.
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Tselani/Cottonwood Chapter
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTokCurley is Tsenjikini and born for To'aheedliinii. Her maternal grandfather is Kinyaa'aanii and her paternal grandfather is Dził t'aadi Kinyaa'áanii. She is a mother and a wife, who was raised in the rural community of Fish Point within the Tselani/Cottowood Chapter in Arizona. She is fluent in the Navajo and English languages. Curley earned two bachelor's degrees from Arizona State University (ASU) and a master's in public administration from the University of New Mexico (UNM). Curley was raised in a close-knit family where faith, prayer, and the Diné way of life shaped her values. Guided by her grandfather and supported by her family's spiritual foundation, Curley emphasized that these teachings continue to guide her leadership today. Since being elected Speaker in 2023, she has worked with Council members, chapters, and many stakeholders on efforts to address critical issues such as water rights, uranium contamination, elder services, youth engagement, and protecting voting rights. She sponsored historic legislation that gained unanimous approval from the Navajo Nation Council for three separate water rights settlements in Arizona and New Mexico. previous professional experience includes serving as a policy analyst with Diné College and the Office of Navajo Government Development. She also served as a Legislative District Assistant, and Sr. Public Information Officer for the Office of the Speaker and the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President before being elected to the Navajo Nation Council in November 2022, representing the communities of Tachee/Blue Gap, Many Farms, Nazlini, Tselani/Cottonwood, and Low Mountain. She served as Miss Navajo Nation, Miss Gallup Indian Ceremonial, and was previously elected to serve as a school board member.
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Chichiltah Chapter
WebsiteFrank Dayish Jr. is one of 16 candidates seeking to serve as President of the Navajo Nation. A former Navajo Nation Vice President, Frank brings decades of leadership experience in government, business, healthcare, housing, and corporate sectors, including work with NASA and BHP. He believes that with all the turmoil happening now in Navajo government and even among some running for office, now is the time for experienced leadership -- more than ever. He is the only candidate with CEO-level experience leading two major Navajo organizations, off-reservation experience, and has a stable family life.
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Chichiltah Chapter
FacebookRaised in Manuelito, NM, is Naakaii Dine’é and Haltsooí Dine’é (paternal). She serves as executive director for Battered Families Services, a nonprofit assisting those fleeing violence. She worked in making the Battered Families Services financially solvent and accountable. She holds a B.A. in business administration. She has worked as a job development officer for the University of New Mexico. She has board experience for a community school. She has been in the peace corps in China for several years, bestowed with an award for outstanding contributions for peace. Believing in people, she is best defined by T’áá nihi ániit’téego. Vote Emily.
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Rock Point Chapter
Website | Facebook | YoutubeJustin Jones is Bit’ąhnii nishłį́, Ta’neeszahnii báshíshchíín, Kin Łichíi’nii dashicheii, and Áshįįhí dashinálí. Raised in Rock Point, Arizona, he deeply values Navajo culture and community leadership. Before entering the legal and political arenas, Jones served his country as a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he pursued a career in law, working as an attorney. His diverse professional background and legal expertise heavily shape his presidential platform, which champions systemic government accountability, structural transparency, and comprehensive legal reform to better serve the Navajo people.
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St. Michaels Chapter
WebsiteYa’at’teeh dóó Ahéhee’ Shí Keí’dóó Shí Diné’e
Shí’éí Myron Lizer- Former Vice President Yinish’yé
Náłth’ááníí nísh’lé Tó’hání báshish’chéén’dóó
Náłth’ááníí dá’shínáálíí Cláus’chéé dá’shí’chéíí
As we embark on the July 21st Primary election for Navajo Nation President, I wish to convey that I am experienced to handle the current political climate that we find ourselves in.
It is for this reason That I entered this race.
I am running on a values campaign to win your vote.
I believe we are at a crucial time in our nation’s history.
Economic Sovereignty, Visionary Leadership, will be my calling card to help The Navajo Nation overcome these last 4 years.
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Red Mesa Chapter
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTokPresident Buu Nygren took office in 2023 at age 35, becoming the Nation’s youngest leader. Raised by a single mother, he excelled academically, graduating valedictorian from Red Mesa High School. He earned a Construction Management degree from Arizona State University and later completed an MBA and doctorate at the University of Southern California. Before serving as president, he was Chief Commercial Officer for NECA. As president, Dr. Nygren has focused on improving roads, connecting water and electricity lines, constructing homes, and investing into local economic development initiatives across the Navajo Nation while raising two daughters with First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren.
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Gadii’ahi/To’Koi Chapter
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTubeMr. Trujillo has been employed as an engineer and in senior management positions for major mining companies and a state utility company as well as CEO for non-profits including the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the 4 Corners Economic Development, Inc. He was also the Executive Director for the Navajo Division of Natural Resources from 1999 through 2010. He completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Oral Roberts University and his graduate studies in mineral processing at the Pennsylvania State University.
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.