A dispute over the status of Navajo Nation Council Speaker Johnny Naize will be heard in traditional court.

Naize was placed on administrative leave following his indictment on criminal charges. He filed suit in the Navajo Nation Court but asked for the case to be moved to the Peacemaking Program.

"The court also agrees that a restoration of healthy relationships is in the best interest of our government and the people," Judge Carol Perry said in a May 5 order, The Navajo Times reported. "The purpose of peacemaking is to promote harmony consistent with Navajo Nation statutes and Diné bi beehaz'áannii."

Naize is suing 12 lawmakers who voted to remove him and and a council employee.

Get the Story:
Navajo Nation Court moves Naize case to peacemaking program (The Navajo-Hopi Observer 5/13)
Naize suit sent to Peacemaker Court (The Navajo Times 5/8)
Still no decision on Navajo Nation Council Speaker Johnny Naize's temporary restraining order request (The Farmington Daily Times 5/1)

Related Stories:
Navajo Nation Council speaker still on leave amid court fight (4/17)
Navajo Nation president hopes for speedy resolution of dispute (04/10)
Speaker of Navajo Nation Council fights paid leave in tribal court (4/9)