Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation held a virtual memorial service for former President Albert Hale on Feb. 3, 2021.

The Navajo Nation held a virtual memorial service for former President Albert Hale on Friday. Hale died Tuesday of COVID-19 at age 70.

Hale was the Navajo Nation’s second president, serving from 1995 to 1998. He became a leading advocate for tribal sovereignty, and later served in the Arizona Legislature from 2004 to 2017.

Current President Jonathan Nez spoke about Hale’s recent impact on the Navajo people.

“He put his life on the line, for all of us, in this pandemic. We will always remember him for that sacrifice,” said Nez. “The message that I remember him saying throughout these months is to take care of yourself, to protect yourself from this virus.”

Vice President Myron Lizer, Health Director Dr. Jill Jim, and Hale’s wife and daughter also spoke at the ceremony.