In an unusual gesture, Jackie Burbank, chairman of the election board, invited the president-elect to the Sports Center stage to address the cheering, excited crowd.

"You are representing the whole family, and I feel the whole Navajo Nation is here," Shirley said as the crowd of people continued to cheer, whistle and clap loudly. "Thank you very much. I'm only one person. It took a whole nation, each and every one of us, Navajos, friends and family are here represented."

Shirley said he will work for governmental change, and thanked numerous family members, campaign staff and election committees and communities who worked and supported him during his run for Navajo Nation president.

"You know what?" Shirley said to the exuberant crowd. "The real work begins now.
"We missed a lot of breakfasts, dinners and sleep during my campaign," Shirley said. "We're here to work with you - you got us here."

Shirley noted that he would work for government reform and address resource issues.