The Navajo Nation Council is mourning the death of the Honorable Nelson S. BeGaye. Speaker Seth Damon made the announcement this morning. BeGaye served as a delegate of the 24th Navajo Nation Council for nearly five years before he retired in 2019, citing health concerns.
He represented communities including Lukachugai, Rock Point, Round Rock, Tsaile/Wheatfields and Tsé Ch’izhí. Delegates told the Navajo Times in a 2019 article that BeGaye was often called on to say a prayer during council and committee meetings. They sometimes ran as long as 20 minutes and were described as “sincere” and “heartfelt.” Flags have been ordered to fly half-staff in his honor at the Navajo Nation Council Chamber in Window Rock.