Evelyne Bradley

Former Navajo Nation district judge[8]

What is Evelyne Bradley known for?

Evelyne E. Bradley, an esteemed North High School, Phoenix, Arizona alumnus, was born on March 1, 1925, in Fort Defiance, Arizona. She was part of the Navajo clan and had a profound impact on the Navajo Nation judicial system.

Throughout her career, Bradley held a variety of positions with both U.S. and Navajo governments. She served the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Navajo Economic Opportunity, and the Navajo Housing Authority before her noteworthy transition into the judicial system.

Bradley notably served as a district court judge for the Navajo Nation from 1984 until her retirement in 1995, making her one of the first women to become a judge within the Navajo Nation. Her juridical work spanned across multiple Navajo Nation judicial districts, including the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation, Tuba City, and Kayenta, Arizona.

After retiring from her district judge role, Bradley continued her legacy by serving as a Justice of the Peace for Navajo County, Arizona. In 2007, she had the honor of administering the oath of office to Joe Shirley Jr. for his second term as the President of the Navajo Nation.

Bradley passed away on May 21, 2013, at the age of 88. She left behind a rich legacy, four children, 15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Her dedication and service to the Navajo Nation and greater Arizona communities are undeniably remarkable. Her life and work remain an inspiration for many, especially those in the judiciary system.

For more information about her life and career, take a look at this Albuquerque Journal article or this article from The Daily Times.