Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya visited Fort Lewis College last week, spending the afternoon with students, staff and campus leaders to learn more about FLC’s reconciliation work and support systems for Indigenous students.
Montoya, the first Navajo woman elected to the office and the 11th person to hold the position, toured campus with leaders from Diversity Affairs. The visit included time at the Native American Center, where staff shared updates on reconciliation initiatives, Indigenous student support programs and the college’s ongoing work to create welcoming spaces for Native students.
Montoya also met with FLC President Heather Shotton to discuss shared commitments to Native student success, community connections and strengthening pathways between Tribal Nations and higher education.
“Vice President Montoya’s visit underscores the importance of the relationships we hold with Tribal Nations and the shared work of reconciliation,” Shotton said. “Her leadership and her presence on our campus remind our students that their voices and stories matter. We are grateful for the opportunity to deepen our partnership with Navajo Nation and to continue building spaces where Indigenous students can thrive.
The meeting marked a meaningful moment for FLC, bringing together two Indigenous women whose leadership represents historic milestones for their communities.
A former chapter president, Montoya has long advocated for strengthened local governance and more responsive executive branch programs within Navajo Nation. Selected by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren as his running mate in the 2022 election, she continues to focus on community-based leadership and resource sharing.
Throughout her visit, Montoya emphasized the importance of speaking up even when it is difficult. She told students that using their voices models courage and creates space for others’ stories to be heard. She also encouraged campus partners to empower Diné students to share with their families and elders that college can be a place for healing, learning, growth and the reclamation of identity.