Derek J. Bailey, the chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan, is among six new appointees to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education.

The council advises the Department of Education about Indian education issues. Bailey hopes to focus on early childhood learning and academic achievement.

"For the native population, unfortunately there's a sizeable gap," Bailey told The Traverse City Record-Eagle. "We should look at what's causing that and how to close that gap."

Bailey and five others are being appointed to the council by President Barack Obama

Get the Story:
Obama appoints local to advisory council (The Traverse City Record-Eagle 5/18)
Obama appoints S&K Technologies CEO to national Indian education panel (The Missoulian 5/19)

Related Stories:
Obama appoints six to Advisory Council on Indian Education (5/14)