Joelynn Ashley
Chair, Western Agency Commmissioner
Ashley.joelynn@gmail.com
Joelynn.Ashley@navajo-nsn.gov
Joelynn M. Ashley is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Coppermine/Béésh haagééd, Arizona. I am born for Kiis’áaníí, Ta’neeszahnii (Bashichin), Bįįh bitoodnii (shicheii), Kiyaa’áanii (shináli) . She is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, earning multiple degrees in Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Graduate Certificate in Public Management, Masters in Public Administration, and Masters in Administration. Ms. Ashley is currently in pursuit of completing her PhD through the Department of Politics and International Affairs, Northern Arizona University. Ms. Ashley is the current Western Agency Commissioner, serving as Chair for the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission, appointed by Madam Chief Justice JoAnne B. Jayne, Navajo Nation Judicial Branch.
In that capacity, as Chair for the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission, it is her duty “to ensure that the water rights of the Navajo Nation are vigorously pursued, effectively coordinated, and to enhance the communication between all entities engaged in water rights efforts on behalf of the Navajo Nation.” (NNWRC Resolution No. GSCAPP-0704; CMY-47-02, NNWRC Fund; BFJY-38-05) Ms. Ashley has worked on Federal Indian Water Rights as a tribal consultant, scholar and instructor for the last 20 years, and in addition to working as former Navajo Nation Division Director Division of General Services, Adjunct Faculty at Northern Arizona University and continues to devote her time in Indian Country to establish, as a permanent homeland by protecting, enacting and developing a tribal sovereigns right to safe drinking water.