In Memoriam: Omar Bradley, Former Navajo Area BIA Director

WINDOW ROCK, AZ – Omar Bradley, former Navajo Area Regional Director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), passed away on May 16, 2022, at the age of 71. Bradley was an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation and was originally from Albuquerque, NM, and resided in Manuelito, west of Gallup, NM. 

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we offer our condolences and prayers to Mr. Bradley’s family and we pray that you take comfort in knowing that your loved one is now with God at this moment,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “We also thank his family for sharing his life with the Navajo people. He was a loving and caring person who helped the Navajo Nation in many ways throughout his career and we will always be grateful for his service and contributions. I had the honor of working with Mr. Bradley on policy issues, road projects, and many other matters. Together, we honor his life and give thanks to his family and colleagues.” 

Bradley began his career in 1978 as a realty officer with the BIA’s Southern Pueblos Agency before being promoted to serve as the Natural Resources Program Administrator where he was responsible for overseeing the delivery of natural resources programs and activities for the Pueblos. 

In 1998, he began serving as the Regional Water Rights Protection Manager at the BIA Albuquerque Area Office and was named the Deputy Regional Director for the Navajo Regional Office in 2000. He then served in this leadership position from 2007 until he retired in 2011. Upon his retirement, he served as a member of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors. 

“It was an honor to work alongside my dear friend Mr. Omar Bradley when he proudly served as the Regional Director advocating for the Navajo people at the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” said Navajo Nation Speaker Seth Damon. “Through his steadfast leadership, our interests were heard in Washington, D.C. and the Navajo Nation was able to finish several road infrastructure projects and construct new schools. Mr. Bradley was a loving father, grandfather, and beloved husband who enjoyed ranching and training horses. The Navajo people send prayers of protection to give strength to his family during this time.”

In his spare time, Bradley enjoyed spending time with his family and raising his horses and cattle. He is survived by his lifelong partner, Doris, their children Erica Enjady, Cody Bradley, and Carlin Begay, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. 

A rosary and memorial service will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022, at 6 pm MDT at the Alameda Mortuary Chapel, 9420 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87114. A funeral mass service for Omar Bradley will be on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87114.