Peterson Zah

ABOUT PETERSON ZAH

Best recognized as the first president of the Navajo Nation from 1990 to 1995. He also served as chairman of the Navajo Nation Council from 1983 to 1987. While chairman, he established the Navajo Nation Permanent Trust Fund in 1985, the Tribe won a $217 million award in a taxation lawsuit against Kerr McGee. He renegotiated oil, gas and coal leases as well as pipeline and electric transmission right-of-way to increase revenues for the Tribe.

He was educated at Phoenix Indian School and received a bachelor's degree in education in 1963 from Arizona State University .

In 1995, he became special advisor to the president on American Indian Affairs for Arizona State University. He was a carpenter and built houses for his family and for his mother.

He was the son of Henry and Mae Multine Zah. He was married to Rosalind Zah. They have three children, Eileen, Keeyonnie and Elaine Beyal.

He and Cyril Ramaphosa are both politicians.