Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan), the co-chairman of the House Native American Caucus, hailed the appointment of a former staffer to a key White House position.

Kildee said Kim Teehee, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, will do a great job for President Barack Obama and for Indian Country. "I have worked with Kim for over a decade, and I have always found her to be a thoughtful, dedicated and passionate advocate for our Native American population," said Kildee.

Teehee started serving as Kildee's senior advisor on Indian issues in 1998. She advised over 100 members of the bipartisan Native American Caucus, wrote speeches, testimony, and legislation and worked closely with tribal leaders.

"The President has made it clear that he is committed to strengthening the relationship between the United States and tribal nations and I am confident that Kim will be instrumental in achieving that goal. I congratulate Kim on this exciting opportunity and I commend the President on his choice,” said Kildee.

Teehee will serve on the White House Domestic Policy Council and will advise Obama on Indian issues. She will play a role in the first-ever Tribal Nations Conference, which will be held at the White House this fall.

Get the Story:
Obama plans White House conference on tribal issues (The Salt Lake Tribune 6/16)
Obama selects Cherokee as senior adviser (The Tulsa World 6/16)

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Kim Teehee named as White House Indian advisor (6/15)