Claudia Kauffman, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho, won election to the Washington State Senate.

Kauffman, a Democrat, is the first Native woman to ever serve in the Legislature. ''I want to contribute to a broader perspective in the state Senate,'' she told Indian Country Today.

Kauffman has a long history in Indian affairs in Washington. She serves as intergovernmental affairs liaison for the Muckleshoot, has worked for the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation and has been a consultant to the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Get the Story:
Claudia Kauffman makes history in Washington state (Indian Country Today 11/17)

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