Remembering Chei Johnny
Tó Nizhóní Ání (TNA) would like to express gratitude to the late Johnny Weiss, who passed on July 10, 2025. Those close to Johnny described him as a ‘trailblazer in solar energy”, a teacher to thousands. At TNA we knew him as “Chei Johnny”. He was not only an awesome instructor but our host family in Paonia, Colorado, the site of SEI or Solar Energy International. In 2019, through a grant, our organization was able to send three individuals from the Navajo Nation to SEI, for basic solar installation training. As we began the application process, we found that lodging was going to be a huge cost, especially for those traveling over 300 miles to attend this training. Johnny was receptive to our solar efforts on Navajo and opened his home to the Navajo participants, providing guidance and good company.
Today, all three of the Navajo trainees have continued to build upon the foundation laid at SEI, as solar installers or renewable energy and policy development. Nicolas Ashley, Shannon James, and Jessica Keetso continue to use the skills cultivated by SEI to bring solar energy and education to underserved, un-electrified Diné and Hopi homes and communities.
We will forever be grateful for the kindness and passion Johnny Weiss expressed, and we continue to push forward our shared vision of Energy sovereignty, and the build out of clean and efficient energy generation from the sun.
In Loving Memory of Johnny Weiss | Solar Energy International
Johnny Weiss | Forever Missed
