Services for Raymond Nakai, a former chairman of the Navajo Nation, will be held Thursday, August 18, in Lukachukai, Arizona.

Nakai died on Sunday at the age of 86. He ran the tribe from 1963 to 1971, when the tribe adopted its current governing structure.

Nakai was known for establishing the first tribal college in the United States. He also worked to secure the religious rights of members of the Native American Church, who were being arrested and harassed for using peyote.

Get the Story:
Nakai dies (The Gallup Independent 8/16)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

Related Stories:
Raymond Nakai, former Navajo chair, dies at 86 (8/16)