Ethel Branch

Ethel Branch is a prominent attorney and politician currently serving as the 13th Attorney General of the Navajo Nation, having been re-appointed by President Buu Nygren in 2023. She previously held the position from 2015 to 2019, making significant contributions to legal matters affecting Indian Nations during her tenure.12

Early Life and Education

Ethel Branch was born in Tuba City, Arizona, and raised on her family’s ranch in Leupp, where they raised various livestock. She graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 2001 with a degree in history. She then earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2008 and a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. During her time at Harvard, she was recognized as a Zuckerman Fellow and served as a senior editor for the Harvard Environmental Law Review .12

Career Highlights

Branch's career spans various roles that emphasize her commitment to Indigenous rights and community welfare:

• Legal Practice: Before her first term as Attorney General, she worked at law firms focusing on tribal finance law and Indigenous advocacy.
• COVID-19 Relief Efforts: In response to the pandemic, she co-founded the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund, raising over $18 million to support affected families and communities.13
• Political Aspirations: In 2022, Branch ran for president of the Navajo Nation, aiming to become the first woman in that role, although she was eliminated in the primary elections.2

Achievements

During her time as Attorney General, Branch was involved in critical legal issues such as the Gold King Mine waste spill and efforts related to the Bears Ears National Monument. Her work has earned her recognition as one of the "unsung heroes" of the pandemic by Bill Gates for her extensive community support initiatives.12

Ethel Branch's multifaceted career reflects her dedication to advancing legal frameworks and community resilience within the Navajo Nation.