Helena Nez Begay
Helena Nez Begay | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Navajo Nation Council | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Paul Begay Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Citizenship | Navajo Nation United States |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Central Arizona College |
Helena Nez Begay is a Diné politician serving on the Navajo Nation Council since 2023. She was previously a supervisor at the Kaibeto Senior Center in Kaibito, Arizona.
Early life and education
[edit]Begay grew up near the Aermotor windmill, west of K’ai’bii’tó, Arizona near a rural area where her family depended on traditional practices such herding sheep and hauling water for daily use.[1] She is the daughter of Helen Littleman Nez Sage and Wilbert Nez.[1] Born to the Tódích’íi’nii clan (Bitter Water) and born for Tł’ízíłání (Many Goats), Begay's maternal and paternal grandfathers were Naakaii Dine’é and Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá, respectively.[1] Her grandfather, Tábąąhá Ha’diłch’ałi, encouraged her to pursue education from an early age.[1] After attending preschool at LeChee Chapter in LeChee, Arizona and Kaibeto Boarding School, where she learned English, she eventually earned a degree in early childhood education from Central Arizona College.[1]
Career
[edit]Begay worked as a supervisor at the Kaibeto Senior Center, where she advocated on behalf of elders, adults, and youth in her community.[1]
In 2022, Begay ran for a seat on the Navajo Nation Council, challenging incumbent Paul Begay Jr. During her campaign, she expressed her intention to work closely with the five District 1 chapters: Łichíi’ii, Béésh Haagééd, Tsinaabąąs Habitiin, Tónehelį́į́h-Red Lake, and K’ai’bii’tó.[1] Begay's campaign emphasized the need for council members to directly engage with community members, especially those in rural areas, to solve problems related to water access, education, and elder care.[1] She took office on January 10, 2023. Begay serves on the health, education, and human services committee.[2][3]
Personal life
[edit]As of 2022, Begay lives with her partner, Benjamin Yazzie, in White Clay in Apache County, Arizona.[1] Begay has three daughters and two sons.[1] Her sons work as electricians.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Allen, Krista (2022-07-25). "'Here for my people': Helena Begay seeks District 1 Council seat". Navajo Times. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ Quintero, Donovan (2023-02-02). "Full steam ahead for freshmen Council". Navajo Times. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "Navajo Nation Council | Legislative Body of the Navajo Nation". 25th Navajo Nation Council. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- Living people
- People from Coconino County, Arizona
- Members of the Navajo Nation Council
- Native American women in politics
- Women in Arizona politics
- Central Arizona College alumni
- 21st-century American women politicians
- 21st-century Native American women
- 21st-century Native American politicians
- Navajo women
- People from Apache County, Arizona