Lawrence T. Morgan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lawrence T. Morgan
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|---|---|
| 4th Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council | |
| In office January 1, 2003 – January 1, 2011 |
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| President | Joe Shirley Jr |
| Preceded by | Edward T. Begay |
| Succeeded by | Johnny Naize |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Pinedale, New Mexico |
| Nationality |  Navajo Nation / USA |
| Occupation | Government |
Lawrence T. Morgan is a respected former leader of the Navajo Nation Council. He served as the Speaker, which is a very important role.
He was first chosen as Speaker in January 2003. The Navajo Nation Council elected him. Navajo law says a Speaker serves for two years at a time. Mr. Morgan was re-elected in 2005 for a second term. He won a third term in January 2007. In January 2009, he was elected again to lead the Council.
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Early Life and Family
Lawrence Tom Morgan was born and grew up in Pinedale, New Mexico. This area was close to some uranium mines. His father worked in these mines for a time. But Lawrence chose a different path for himself.
His mother took care of Lawrence and his four siblings. His brother, Anslem, and sister, Louise Mariano, are also active in the Navajo Nation.
Mr. Morgan's family has many artistic people. He himself is a talented silversmith. In high school, he sang in a band with his roommate. His own children learned guitar on the same instrument his father bought him. Mr. Morgan also enjoys painting and drawing cartoons.
His Education Journey
After finishing Fort Wingate High School in 1972, Lawrence Morgan studied photography. He attended the University of New Mexico in Gallup.
Later, in 1981, he went to Dine’ College. There, he began taking classes about Navajo government. Although he did not graduate from college, he worked as a rodeo arena announcer.
Serving the Public
In the 1980s, Mr. Morgan became interested in public service. He wanted to help his community through government work. From 1981 to 1983, he was the Chapter Manager for Pinedale.
He then served as Secretary/Treasurer of Pinedale Chapter from 1983 to 1987. After that, he was the Chapter President from 1987 to 1990.
In 1991, Mr. Morgan was elected to the Navajo Nation Council. He worked on the Government Services Committee. In 1995, he became the Chairperson of the Transportation and Community Development Committee.
His fellow Council members first chose him as Speaker on January 27, 2003. They re-elected him for another two-year term on January 24, 2005. Mr. Morgan represented the Pinedale and Iyanbito chapters for 12 years. He believes people re-elected him because he listened to their needs.
As Speaker, Mr. Morgan focused on several key areas. He wanted to improve the Local Governance Certification process. Water issues were also very important to him.
He also worked to make government records better organized. He aimed to improve how the Council shared information with the public. He also wanted to make sure the Legislative Branch had good office and meeting spaces.
Mr. Morgan supported making Navajo Nation Fundamental Law official. This important effort began with the previous Speaker.
