Meet the Candidates

Curley 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.

Her 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.

Christopher “Chris” Deschene is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Deeshchíí’nii (Start of the Red Streak People). His maternal grandfather is Nóóda’í Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People), and his paternal grandfather is Tábąąhá (Edge Water Clan). Raised in LeChee, Arizona, Deschene is a Diné attorney, engineer, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and former public official with experience in tribal, state, and federal government. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Deschene earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Major. He later earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Juris Doctor from Arizona State University. His professional background includes serving in the Arizona House of Representatives, directing the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, and practicing law in areas involving tribal sovereignty, natural resources, infrastructure, and energy development.

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