- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The 25th Navajo Nation Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of former Council Delegate and the first Speaker of the Navajo Nation, Nelson Gorman Jr., who passed away on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. Mr. Gorman was 91.
“On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, we honor the life and leadership of Speaker Nelson Gorman Jr. As the first Speaker of the Navajo Nation, he helped establish the foundation of our modern government and guided our people through a pivotal time of change. We extend our deepest condolences to the Gorman family and ask our Nation to keep them in prayer during this time of mourning,” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley.
Gorman, of Chinle, Arizona, was Tódích’íi’nii, born for Kinyaa’áanii. His maternal grandfathers were Tóts’óhnii, and his paternal grandfathers were Dibé Łizhinii.
He represented the Chinle Chapter as a Council Delegate from 1983 to 1995. In 1990, he made history by becoming the first Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, playing a vital role in establishing the Nation’s modern three-branch government and reinforcing the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches. He was also widely respected as a peacemaker during the 1989 leadership crisis that significantly impacted the Council and the Navajo people.
Gorman is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eva Gorman; his son and daughter-in-law, Cornelius and Josie Gorman; his daughter, Caroline Gorman; and six grandchildren.
Following his service in tribal government, Gorman dedicated himself to his family and remained engaged with the political affairs of the Navajo Nation. He frequently emphasized the enduring responsibility and strength of the Navajo Nation Council as the Nation’s governing body.“As he grew older, my father remained sharp and deeply thoughtful. He approached challenges with analysis and patience, never accepting things at face value,” said his son, Cornelius Gorman. “He lived by his spirituality and faith, and those values guided every aspect of his life.”
Family meetings will be held at the Chinle Presbyterian Church in Chinle, Arizona, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Friday, Sept. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Montana County Redraws District After Settlement to Ensure Chippewa Cree Votes Count
Tunica-Biloxi Council Member Named to Tribal Leadership Foundation
Ethics Complaint Alleges Former Navajo Nation Chief of Staff Accepted Gifts From Contractor
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
