Bennie Francisco

About Bennie Francisco

Bennie Francisco Jr. is a Diné (Navajo) citizen from Prewitt, New Mexico, and a seasoned leader in tribal justice systems and Indigenous governance. He is the founder and principal of Black Water Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm focused on strengthening tribal governance, justice systems, and Indigenous nation building. He is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico, concentrating on Indigenous government, policy, identity, and sustainability. His academic work is grounded in over a decade of professional experience in both tribal and federal government, where he has shaped justice systems through policy development, institutional leadership, and advocacy.Bennie has served as Administrative Director of the Courts for the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch, supporting the Chief Justice in overseeing all Navajo Nation Courts, the Peacemaking system, and Probation and Parole Services. He led six critical administrative units—Fiscal, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, Construction, and Probation—providing strategic direction and operational oversight across the justice system.Previously, he directed the Tribal Court Assessment Division within the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Over eight years, he conducted national assessments, provided technical support to tribal courts, and worked to enhance justice systems across Indian Country.An educator as well as a practitioner, Bennie serves as an adjunct instructor in Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico, where he teaches courses on Indigenous research methodologies, tribal governance, community revitalization, and decolonization. He also served as Policy and Legislative Advisor to the late Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, further deepening his expertise in tribal government operations and intergovernmental affairs.Bennie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Building Native Nations from the University of New Mexico (2011), and a Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law from the University of Tulsa College of Law (2013).Fluent in the Diné language and deeply rooted in traditional lifeways, Bennie remains actively involved in ranching, agriculture, and the arts. He divides his time between his homestead in Prewitt and Albuquerque, maintaining a strong connection to his community while advancing Indigenous governance through scholarship, public service, and entrepreneurial leadership.

Experience

1. Principal Owner

   Black Water Strategies, Llc

   Apr 2025 — Present

Education

• The University of New Mexico

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

  2005 — 2010

• University of Tulsa College of Law

  Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.)

  2011 — 2013