House Engrossed

 

Albert Hale; death resolution

 

 

 

 

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2009

 

 

 

A RESOLUTION

 

on the death of the Honorable albert hale.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 


Albert Hale, who spent a lifetime in service to his people and this state, passed away February 2, 2021 from complications due to COVID-19.

Born in Ganado, Arizona in 1950, Albert Hale was of the Áshiihí, the Salt People Clan, born for Tódích'íi'nii, the Bitter Water People Clan. He resided in Klagetoh, Arizona and graduated from Fort Wingate High School before going on to earn a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and a law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Albert put his education toward the benefit of the Navajo people as assistant attorney general for the Navajo Nation, as special counsel to the Navajo Nation Council and as a judge pro tempore in the Laguna Tribal Court system.

Further called to service, Albert Hale was the second president of the Navajo Nation from 1995 to 1998 and served as chairperson of the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission. In this capacity he helped negotiate the San Juan River Basin Water Right Settlement Agreement, which was ratified by Congress after it was signed in 2005. Appointed to the Arizona State Senate in 2004, he was later elected to the Senate and served there until 2011. He then served in the Arizona State House of Representatives until 2017.

Rooted in culture and tradition, Albert Hale was a fierce advocate for the communities he represented at the State Capitol, striving to bring tax revenue to tribal lands, fighting for tribal sovereignty and educating his colleagues on the history of indigenous peoples in this state. He was known for his easy smile, witty sense of humor and love of golf. Albert Hale's legacy will be remembered for many years to come and his voice will continue to be heard in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature. He represented the Navajo Nation and the State of Arizona with respect, honesty and trust.

A loving, supportive and devoted husband and father, Albert is survived by his wife, Dr. Paula Hale, and his beloved children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

      That the Members of the House of Representatives express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Honorable Albert Hale.