Court Upholds Legitimacy of the Rightful Board of Directors of the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drummond Woodsum is proud to stand alongside tribal governments and organizations in preserving the integrity of their leadership and legal structures. In a recent case before the To’Hajiilee District Court of the Navajo Nation, our attorneys, Brian Lewis and Brandon K. Bitsuie, successfully represented five rightful members of the Board of Directors of the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, Inc. (CBNHC), a non-profit entity formed under Navajo law by the To’Hajiilee Chapter to provide health care services to community members.

This matter arose when a group of three individuals attempted to act as a de facto board, unlawfully ousting the validly appointed directors. Our clients, who were duly selected in accordance with the organization’s governing documents—specifically, the Second Amended Bylaws—challenged this unlawful takeover. After full consideration, the District Court issued a Permanent Writ of Quo Warranto, removing the de facto members and reinstating the five legitimate board members. This ruling reaffirms the Navajo Nation corporate laws and the enforceability of the Health Center’s bylaws in determining board composition.

While the opposing party has filed a notice of appeal to the Navajo Nation Supreme Court, the District Court’s decision represents a critical win for organizational governance.