Mark Maryboy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Maryboy
|
|
|---|---|
Mark Maryboy speaking at a community gathering in Utah
|
|
| Navajo Nation Council Delegate | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Utah |
|
| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 2007 |
|
| Succeeded by | Davis Filfred Jr. |
| Constituency | Aneth / Red Mesa / Mexican Water |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 10, 1955 Bluff, Utah, United States |
| Nationality | Navajo Nation, American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Roselyn Maryboy |
| Education | University of Utah (BA) |
| Known for | First Native American elected as county commissioner in Utah |
Mark Maryboy (born December 10, 1955) is a well-known leader from the Navajo Nation and a retired American politician. He made history as the first Native American to be elected as a county commissioner in Utah. He also served as a representative for his community on the Navajo Nation Council.
Contents
A Leader's Early Life and Education
Mark Maryboy was born near Bluff, Utah. He grew up in a traditional Navajo home, called a Hogan, on the Navajo Nation reservation. For school, he attended boarding schools run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He later graduated from San Juan High School in Blanding, Utah.
After high school, Maryboy went to the University of Utah. He studied history and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978.
Career in Politics and Public Service
After finishing college, Maryboy returned home to help his community. He worked for the Utah Navajo Development Council, where he was in charge of education programs like Head Start.
Making History in Utah
In 1986, Mark Maryboy achieved a major milestone. He was elected as a County Commissioner in San Juan County, Utah. This was a historic moment because he was the first Native American ever to hold this position in the state.
In 1990, he was also elected to the Navajo Nation Council. This is the main governing body for the Navajo Nation. There, he became the chairman of the important Budget and Finance Committee.
National Recognition
Maryboy's leadership was noticed across the country. In 1993, he was chosen to be on a special committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Later, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education.
Throughout his career, Maryboy focused on important issues for his community. He worked to make sure the Navajo people were treated fairly and had access to important resources.
Protecting Water Rights
Water is a vital resource in the dry lands of Utah. In 2002, Maryboy supported the effort to secure the Navajo Nation's rights to water from the Colorado River. This work led to the Utah Navajo Water Rights Settlement Act in 2020. The act officially recognized the tribe's right to use a large amount of water each year.
Standing Up for Workers
In 1997, Maryboy joined a three-day protest at an oil plant in Aneth, Utah. The protestors wanted the company, ExxonMobil, to hire more local Navajo people. They also wanted better working conditions for them.
Improving Local Healthcare
In 1999, Maryboy helped start Utah Navajo Health Systems. This organization worked to improve healthcare for the Navajo people in Utah. They helped pass laws that allowed money earned from local healthcare to stay in the community.
