Begay v. Chief

This case concerns whether a person married through a traditional wedding ceremony must receive a decree by a Navajo Nation court to be validly divorced within the Navajo Nation. We hold that the Navajo Nation Code requires a divorce decree, and therefore vacate the Kayenta Family Court’s decision.

I

The relevant facts are undisputed. Appellant Jessie Ray Chief and Appellee Julia Begay are both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Mr. Chief married Dorothy Farland by traditional ceremony in 1978. Some time after 1978, Mr. Chief left Ms. Farland, taking his saddle and blanket from their home.…