GALLUP — In a public event, Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. answered a question still on the minds of Navajo voters: What happened between him and the president?

As a keynote speaker at the Native American Day and Veterans Day event at GIMC, Dayish touched upon the disgruntled relationship after talking briefly about the work his office has carried out with veterans and veteran programs.

A hushed crowd of about 70 people listened attentively as Dayish briefly explained in Navajo the reason for their “break-up.”

In Navajo, Dayish said he “became aware of him (President Joe Shirley, Jr.)” when they began working together.

Dayish used the term “ba’oh hw ni z” translating literally to “because I’m sitting right by him, I found out what kind of person he is.” The term can also mean that he became aware of his work, and leadership. For this reason, Dayish further stated in Navajo, he and his staff decided to make a bid for the Office of the President.

Gallup Independent