Albert Hale

Albert A. Hale (March 13, 1950 – February 2, 2021) was an American attorney and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the Arizona Senate from 2004 to 2011 and in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.

A member of the Navajo Nation, Hale was elected as the tribe's president in 1994. He served until 1998, when he resigned to avoid facing prosecution for 50 felonies and misdemeanors related to theft and bribery. He was widely recognized as a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key figure in upholding tribal sovereignty.

Early life and education Albert A. Hale was born on March 13, 1950, in Ganado, Arizona, to Willie, who worked at the Fort Wingate U.S. Army depot, and Irene, who herded sheep. He was raised in Klagetsoh, and was of the clan. Hale's maternal grandparents were and his paternal grandparents were . The New York Times described him as "one of the most forceful advocates for the rights of tribes as nations within a nation."

In 1997, The Navajo Times published articles reporting "alleged misuse of a tribal credit card" and elements of his personal life. The Navajo attorney general appointed a special prosecutor, who investigated for five months Hale's spending in 1995 and 1996. He was indicted in 1997 for accepting kickbacks and bribes, and for misuse of government property. He was allowed to resign his post on February 19, 1998, to avoid criminal prosecution on 50 counts.

On January 11, 2021, Hale was hospitalized in Mesa, Arizona, after testing positive for COVID-19 four days earlier. He died from complications related to the virus on February 2, 2021, at age 70. He is survived by nine children and his wife, Paula.

After his death, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Seth Damon recognized Hale on behalf of the council, saying "he is remembered for his service and dedication to the Navajo people, which continued beyond the borders of the Nation when he was called to represent our district in the Arizona Legislature. We recognize his positive contributions to the development of numerous initiatives that have advanced the causes of Navajo people both at home and abroad." President of the Navajo Nation Jonathan Nez and Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey both ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of him.