Peter MacDonald (Navajo leader) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter MacDonald, Sr.
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MacDonald in 2021
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| Chairman of the Navajo Nation | |
| In office January 10, 1987 – February 1989 |
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| Vice President | Johnny Thompson |
| Preceded by | Peterson Zah |
| Succeeded by | Leonard Haskie |
| In office January 10, 1971 – January 15, 1983 |
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| Vice President | Wilson Skeet (1971-1979) Frank E. Paul (1979-1982) |
| Preceded by | Raymond Nakai |
| Succeeded by | Peterson Zah |
| President of the Navajo Code Talker Association | |
| In office February 2012 – August 2022 |
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| Chairman of the Navajo Code Talkers Museum | |
| Assumed office August 2022 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Hashkasilt Begay
December 16, 1928 Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, United States |
| Nationality | American Navajo Nation |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Tuba City, Arizona |
| Education | Bacone College, University of Oklahoma (BSEE), University of California, Los Angeles |
| Occupation | Public speaker, Engineer (formerly) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 6th Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Peter MacDonald (born December 16, 1928) is an important Native American leader. He is known for being the only person to serve four terms as Chairman of the Navajo Nation. MacDonald was born in Arizona, U.S. He bravely served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II as a Navajo Code Talker. He first became the Navajo Tribal Chairman in 1970.
During his time as chairman, Peter MacDonald faced some serious challenges and legal issues. These events led to him being removed from his position. After some time, he was later pardoned, which meant he was forgiven for these issues. He is married to Wanda MacDonald and has five children and nine grandchildren.
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Early Life and Learning
Peter MacDonald was born with the name Hashkasilt Begay, which means "He Who Clasps With Power." He grew up learning traditional ways from shepherds. He was also trained to become a medicine man, someone who uses traditional healing practices.
During World War II, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He became a special code talker, using the Navajo language to send secret messages. The war ended shortly after he finished his training. He was then sent to China to help guard Japanese officers after the war.
After his military service, MacDonald went to college. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1957. His skills helped him get a job at the Hughes Aircraft Company. There, he worked on important projects like the Polaris nuclear missile. In 1963, he returned to the Navajo Nation and began working in tribal politics.
Peter MacDonald served as the Navajo Nation Tribal Chairman for four terms. This was between 1970 and 1986. As chairman, he strongly believed in the Navajo people becoming more self-sufficient. This meant they should rely on themselves and their own businesses. He worked to give the tribe more control over education and their natural resources.
He also helped start the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT) in 1975. This group worked to manage energy resources on tribal lands. MacDonald is also known for starting many Navajo-owned businesses. These included the Navajo Nation Shopping Centers Enterprise and the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority. He often spoke out against the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He wanted to protect the Navajo Nation's right to govern itself.
During the 1972 presidential election, some people called MacDonald "the most powerful Indian in the USA." He was part of Richard Nixon's re-election committee. He was even asked to speak at the 1972 Republican National Convention.
MacDonald later met with Democratic candidate George McGovern. This was because he felt Nixon wasn't fully supporting the Navajo in a land dispute. When McGovern promised to help the Navajo, MacDonald thought about supporting him. As tribal chairman, he could gather many votes from the reservation.
Two years later, MacDonald helped elect Democrat Raul Hector Castro as governor of Arizona. He delivered a large number of Navajo votes for Castro. This upset Senator Barry Goldwater, who supported the Hopi in the land dispute.
In the end, many Navajo families lost their homes due to this land dispute. This created a difficult situation between the Navajo leader and the senator. In 1996, a new law allowed families to stay on their lands for 75 more years. The "The Bennett Freeze" was a rule that stopped development for thousands of Navajo people. It was finally lifted in 2009 by President Barack Obama.
Helping Communities
Peter MacDonald also helped establish several important organizations:
- American Indian National Bank: He helped start this bank in Washington, D.C. It was the first bank in the country for Native American tribes. He also served on its board.
- National Tribal Chairman Association: He co-founded this group in Washington, D.C. It allowed elected tribal leaders to speak together for their people.
- Council of Energy Resources Tribes (CERT): He helped create and lead this council in Denver, CO. It worked to improve how Native American energy resources were managed. It also helped tribes get fair prices for their resources.
- Navajo Community College Board of Regents (Diné College): He was a member of the board for this college in Tsaile, AZ.
- Native American Preparatory School (NAPS): He helped start this school and was a trustee from 1986 to 1988.
- American Indian Policy Review Commission: He chaired a special task force for the U.S. Congress. This task force focused on developing and protecting resources on reservations.
Challenges and Pardon
In 1988, the Navajo Tribal Council decided to place Chairman MacDonald on administrative leave. This meant he was temporarily removed from his duties. MacDonald did not want to step down, which led to a difficult five-month period. Later, the council appointed a temporary chairman. Some of MacDonald's supporters tried to help him return to power.
Peter MacDonald faced legal challenges during this time. He was later convicted of some charges related to his time as chairman. This led to him spending time away from his leadership role.
In 1995, the Navajo Tribal Council decided to pardon MacDonald. A pardon is an official forgiveness for a crime. They noted that some accusations might not have been true. They also wanted to bring back the Navajo idea of hozhonji, or the Beauty Way. This concept emphasizes forgiveness and asking for forgiveness.
The day before President Bill Clinton left office in 2001, he granted a request to commute MacDonald's sentence. This meant his time away was shortened.
Since his return, Peter MacDonald has continued to be a public figure. He speaks out for the Navajo Nation to have more control over its own affairs. He often gives speeches at conferences and educational events. In 2007, he spoke in Tsiizizii about the importance of traditional Navajo family values. He believed parents should play a bigger role in their children's education:
"I sincerely believe that we will all be better off if we return to the traditional Navajo system in which the family was important and everyone fulfilled their roles and responsibility for preparing our children for life. I have always believed in school and the importance of education. Education is good, it is needed to make a living and to make a difference, but not everyone looked at it this way. Wisdom, knowledge, and strength are the supports necessary to lead a productive life. These supports must work together like the three legs on a stool. The school and the home must work together."
On November 17, 2017, MacDonald and other Navajo Code Talkers were honored. President Donald Trump held a special ceremony at the White House. MacDonald introduced his fellow Code Talkers and spoke alongside the president. He talked about how effective the Code Talkers' secret communication was in battles. He also asked for a national museum to preserve their legacy. He ended his speech by talking about America's unity and strength when facing challenges. He also praised the patriotism of American citizens.
In 2022, he spoke again in Washington, D.C.. This was at a celebration honoring Navajo Code Talkers. The event took place at the National World War II Memorial.
Awards and Recognition
Peter MacDonald has received several awards for his contributions:
- University of Oklahoma Engineering Hall of Fame
- Distinguished Service Citation, University of Oklahoma
- Arizona Indian of the year (1970)
- President Kimble Leadership Award (LDS church)
- Distinguished American Award by National Institute for Economic Development
See also
