October 15, 2009 –
MAYETTA: Jefferson Keel, Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, has been elected President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) at the organization’s 66th Annual Convention, according to a media release sent today from the NCAI. Keel has served as NCAI First Vice-President since 2005. He replaces Joe Garcia who previously served as president for two terms.
Joyce Guerrero, Tribal Council Vice Chairperson, is representing the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation at the convention being held this week in Palm Springs, Calif.
Joyce Guerrero, Tribal Council Vice Chairperson, is representing the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation at the convention being held this week in Palm Springs, Calif.
After Keel was elected he said, “Thank you to all of the tribal nations and the members of NCAI. I want to congratulate Cedric Black Eagle, Chairman of the Crow Nation, for his honorable service. In the middle of this election, there was a great sense of unity among all tribal leaders to advance tribal sovereignty and the welfare of all Indian people. Unity is the only way we will make progress, and I pledge to work together to seize the opportunities that are before all of the Tribal Nations.”
Keel is a retired U.S. Army officer with over 20 years of active duty service. He earned a bachelor’s degree from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma and completed his Master of Science degree at Troy University in Alabama. He has background experience in social services and tribal health programs. Keel is in his third elected term as Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation.
In addition, Juana Majel-Dixon, Councilwoman for the Pauma Band of Mission Indians was elected First Vice-President; Theresa Two Bulls, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was elected Recording Secretary; and W. Ron Allen, Chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe was elected Treasurer.