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. Keel, a native of ADA, has served as NCAI First Vice-President since 2005 and was a tribal delegate prior to that service. His election is an honor to Jefferson Keel and all American Indians in the state of Oklahoma.
Keel becomes the first tribal leader from Oklahoma elected to the post in the 65 year history of the NCAI. “I am honored to serve in this capacity for NCAI,” said Keel. “Just as I represent the people of the Chickasaw Nation as lieutenant governor, I will proudly represent all of Indian Country in this role.”
Keel served more than 20 years of active duty in the U.S. army. He is a retired Army officer, who earned a bachelor’s degree from East Central University in Ada and completed his Master of Science degree at Troy University in Alabama. He has extensive background experience in social services and tribal health programs. He is in his third elected term as lieutenant governor of the Chickasaw Nation.
The National Congress of American Indians (founded in 1944) is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. The NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights.
We wish to extend our congratulations to Mr. Keel. To read the news press from the Ada Evening News and see Mr. Keel’s photograph, see the Ada Evening News web site.
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