Council members offer condolences to the family of former Delegate

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2015
Council members offer condolences to the family of former Delegate Leonard Haskie nd
PHOTO: Leonard Haskie as he was sworn in as a member of the 22 Navajo Nation Council in the Council Chamber in Window Rock, Ariz. on Nov. 26, 2014. WINDOW ROCK – Speaker LoRenzo Bates and the 23rd Navajo Nation Council extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of former council delegate Leonard Haskie, who passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 71. “On behalf of the Navajo Nation Council, I send my sincerest condolences to the wife, children, and family of Leonard Haskie, a highly respected and distinguished leader of our great Nation,” said Speaker Bates. Haskie was originally from Tsé’ał’náoz’t’i’í (Sanostee), New Mexico. He was Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red-­‐Running-­‐Into-­‐The-­‐Water Clan), his maternal grandfather was Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), and his paternal grandfather was Nakai Dine’é (Mexican Clan). “Our hearts are saddened with the passing of Leonard Haskie. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and son. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to discuss with him Navajo political theory and foreign political structures. The Navajo Nation and Tsé’ał’náoz’t’i’í have lost an insightful and compassionate leader,” stated Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty. Haskie previously served as a member of the Navajo Nation Council representing the community of Sanostee, and also served as the interim president of the Navajo Nation for nearly two years. On Nov. 26, 2014, Haskie once again took the oath of office to fill a vacated seat on the 22nd Navajo Nation Council, representing the communities of Beclabito, Cove, Gadi’i’áhi/To’Koi, Red Valley, Tooh Haltsooi, Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, and Tsé ałnáoz’t’I’í. He served in this capacity for the remainder of the term, which ended in January 2015. “He was a great leader who had vision beyond his generation and we the next generation are living in the Legacy he saw for us, when the Nation established the Permanent Trust Fund. As the Nation mourns the loss of this great leader, we as Navajo People should remember our elders’ teachings to live life to its fullest and in hozhó,” said Council Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd. “Our prayers are with the family and with the Nation.” Haskie had bachelors and masters degree in civil engineering and was a licensed engineer in the states of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Aside from his formal education, he was renowned throughout the Navajo Nation for his great knowledge and ability to speak the Navajo language fluently, as pointed out by Council Delegates Tom Chee and Leonard Tsosie. “Leonard Haskie is a leader that met the challenges of a difficult and perilous period in Navajo history to lead his people. He was a true orator in the Navajo language and he will always inspire future leadership of the Nation,” Delegate Chee said. “He has done his duty for the Navajo Nation and the school children. I will miss his leadership, his fluent Navajo language also known as the ‘Haskie standard’, his detailed memory of Navajo history and as a clan ‘big’ brother,” said Delegate Tsosie. “He cared about the Navajo people and delicately approached issues expressing his words with k'e and hozhó. He is in a heavenly home. Let's pray for his family and continue on his brand of leadership.” According to officials with the Sanostee Chapter, a meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Center in the community of Sanostee, New Mexico. # # # For news on the latest legislative branch activities, please visit www.navajonationcouncil.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter, keywords: Navajo Nation Council