Clinton names Native leadership council

Thursday, July 19, 2007  

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York), a Democratic candidate for president, announced the formation of a Native American Leadership Council for her campaign in Nevada.

The council includes 13 current and former tribal leaders, tribal administrators and Native activists. They will serve as an advisory board for the campaign's Indian Country efforts in Nevada.

"I am honored to be a part of this Leadership Council and to support Senator Clinton," said Genia Williams, the chair of the Walker River Paiute Tribe. "Senator Clinton has reached out personally to Nevada's tribes to discuss issues of concern to each sovereign nation. She is the most experienced and prepared candidate in the race, and understands the unique challenges facing Indian Country."

Clinton also announced that Arlan Melendez, the chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, will serve a co-chair of her national campaign. "There is no other candidate who is more qualified and ready to promote understanding of our diverse cultures and backgrounds, and bring us together as a united nation," Melendez said of Clinton. "She will be an outstanding president."

The other members of the council are:

Arlan Melendez, Chairman, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony; member, U.S. Civil Rights Commission

Davis Gonzales, Chairman, Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada

Genia Williams, Chairperson, Walker Riv er Paiute Tribe

Karen Crutcher, Chairperson, Ft. McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribes

Steve Frank, Chairman, Summit Lake Paiute Tribe

Kyle Prior, Chairman, Duck Valley Shoshone Paiute Tribes

Wanda Batchelor, Chairperson, Stewart Community Council of the Washoe Tribe

Rochanne Downs, Vice Chair, Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribes

Ed Naranjo, Vice Chair, Federated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation

Norm Harry, Former (three-term) Tribal Chairman, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

Kenneth Richardson, Health Director, Walker River Paiute Tribe

Janice Brown, Democratic Activist and Native American Advocate

Miranda Quintero, Vice Chair, Walker River Paiute Tribe

Get the Story:
Press Release: Clinton Campaign Announces Nevada Native American Leadership Council (Hillary for President 7/18)
Press Release: Tribal Chairman Arlan Melendez Endorses Clinton (Hillary for President 7/18)<

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