Albert A. Hale was born on March 13, 1950, in Ganado, Arizona, to Willie, who worked at the Fort Wingate U.S. Army depot, and Irene, who herded sheep.
[3] Willie was beaten to death in a jail in Gallup, New Mexico, by a police officer when Albert was two years old.
"[3][6] In 1997, The Navajo Times published articles reporting "alleged misuse of a tribal credit card" and elements of his personal life.
[2] Hale re-entered electoral politics in January 2004, when Governor Janet Napolitano appointed him to fill the Arizona Senate seat from the 2nd district vacated by Jack Jackson Sr.[3] In 2011, after being restricted from running in the Senate again by term limits,[4] he was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives.
[4] According to Jack Jackson Jr., Hale commanded respect, and was known for wearing a Navajo warrior hat known as an atsá cha’h at important events.
[3][4] After his death, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Seth Damon recognized Hale on behalf of the council, saying "he is remembered for his service and dedication to the Navajo people, which continued beyond the borders of the Nation when he was called to represent our district in the Arizona Legislature.
We recognize his positive contributions to the development of numerous initiatives that have advanced the causes of Navajo people both at home and abroad.
"[4] President of the Navajo Nation Jonathan Nez and Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey both ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of him.