On Tuesday, 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. He will assume the position previously held by Steven Arviso, who stepped down on Jan. 9, 2026.
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.
“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. “I would also like to thank Madam Speaker Curley for appointing me and allowing me to represent the citizens of District 16.”
Nez is a traditional practitioner and serves as the Community Services Coordinator for the Pinedale Chapter. He previously worked with the City of Albuquerque and the Churchrock Chapter as a senior planner and staff assistant. In addition to his public service, Nez has served on various school boards, chapter committees, and community organizations.
The appointment of Titus Nez was made in accordance with the Navajo Nation’s Election Code and supported by resolutions from the impacted chapters. Nez is scheduled to take the oath of office on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Navajo Nation Supreme Court in Window Rock, Arizona.
