Albert Hale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Hale
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 7th district |
|
| In office January 15, 2013 – January 9, 2017 Serving with Jennifer D. Benally
|
|
| Preceded by | redistricted |
| Succeeded by | Eric Descheenie |
| Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 2nd district |
|
| In office January 10, 2011 – January 15, 2013 Serving with Tom Chabin
|
|
| Preceded by | Christopher Deschene |
| Succeeded by | Rosanna Gabaldón |
| Member of the Arizona Senate from the 2nd district |
|
| In office January 12, 2004 – January 10, 2011 |
|
| Preceded by | Jack Jackson Sr. |
| Succeeded by | Jack Jackson Jr. |
| 2nd President of the Navajo Nation | |
| In office January 10, 1995 – February 19, 1998 |
|
| Vice President | Thomas Atcitty |
| Preceded by | Peterson Zah |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Atcitty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 13, 1950 Ganado, Arizona, U.S. |
| Died | February 2, 2021 (aged 70) Mesa, Arizona, U.S. |
| Nationality | Navajo Nation United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Arizona State University (BS) University of New Mexico (JD) |
| Occupation |
|
Albert A. Hale (born March 13, 1950 – died February 2, 2021) was an American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Arizona Senate from 2004 to 2011. Later, he was in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.
Albert Hale was also a member of the Navajo Nation. He was chosen as the tribe's president in 1994. He held this important role until 1998. He was known for strongly supporting the rights of tribes. He worked to make sure that tribal governments were respected.
Contents
About Albert Hale
Albert Hale was a respected leader. He worked hard for the Navajo Nation and for all Native American tribes. He believed in the importance of self-governance for tribes. His work helped shape laws in Arizona and for the Navajo people.
Early Life and Learning
Albert A. Hale was born on March 13, 1950. His birthplace was Ganado, Arizona. His father, Willie, worked at a U.S. Army depot. His mother, Irene, took care of sheep. Albert grew up in Klagetsoh. He belonged to the Áshįįhí clan.
A difficult event in his childhood inspired him to work for justice. This event led him to enter politics later in life. He went to Wingate High School. He often shared a story about Navajo Nation Council member Annie Dodge Wauneka. She encouraged him to stay in school when he was skipping classes.
Albert Hale earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He got this from Arizona State University. He then studied law and received a Juris Doctor degree. This was from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
His Work as a Lawyer
Hale started his career as a lawyer. He worked for himself in a private law office. He also served as a judge for the Laguna Pueblo tribe. Later, he worked for the Navajo Nation Council. He was an assistant attorney general and a special counsel.
He also led two important legal groups. He was president of the Navajo Nation Bar Association. He also led the State Bar of New Mexico.
His Political Career
Albert Hale became the second President of the Navajo Nation in 1994. He ran his campaign on the idea of local empowerment. He wanted to give more power to the 110 local government chapters. He was known across the country for supporting tribal sovereignty.
Ron Allen, a leader of American Indian groups, praised Hale. He said Hale helped explain that tribes are governments. The New York Times called him a strong supporter of tribal rights. In 1998, he famously told U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich about tribal sovereignty. He said, "When I come to Washington, you don't send me to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. You have a state dinner for me." This showed his belief in tribes as nations.
In February 1998, Albert Hale left his role as Navajo Nation President. This was due to questions about how some funds were used.
Serving in Arizona
In 2004, Albert Hale returned to politics. The Governor of Arizona chose him for the Arizona Senate. He represented the 2nd district.
In 2011, he was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives. He could not run for the Senate again because of term limits. In the House, he worked for tribal nations. He wanted them to get more tax money. He also sought payment for the effects of uranium mining on Navajo land.
Hale also led the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission. He helped make an agreement with New Mexico. This agreement gave more water to many Navajo communities.
Later Life and Passing
Albert Hale was married three times. He was known by many in the Navajo community as "Abhihay". Jack Jackson Jr. said Hale was respected. He often wore a special Navajo warrior hat called an atsá cha’h at important events.
In early 2021, Albert Hale became sick with COVID-19. He was taken to a hospital in Mesa, Arizona. He passed away on February 2, 2021, at age 70. He is survived by his wife, Paula, and nine children.
After his death, many leaders honored him. Navajo Nation Council Speaker Seth Damon praised his service. President of the Navajo Nation Jonathan Nez and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. This was done to show respect for Albert Hale.
Images for kids
-
Albert Hale, the second President of the Navajo Nation.
See also
In Spanish: Albert Hale para niños
