Crystalyne Curley was elected as the 25th speaker of the Navajo Nation Council on Tuesday, becoming the first woman to ever take the role. “I think it’s a historic day, a very proud day," said Navajo Nation president Buu Nygren, who noted that "we have a madam speaker for the very first time.” Nygren became the youngest person to serve as the tribe's president when he was sworn in on Jan. 10 at the age of 36. During her first speech to the council, Curley said she was “very appreciative for being nominated,” and that she will "pray for new guidance and direction." Curley replaced Otto Tso, who became the Navajo Nation Council speaker in November.  The Navajo Nation surpassed the Cherokee Nation in 2021 to become the largest Native American tribe in the U.S.