Praise rolled in for Kevin Washburn, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, has been nominated as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

The Navajo Nation welcomed the announcement by President Barack Obama. The top leadership post at the Bureau of Indian Affairs has only been vacant since May.

“I am pleased that the Obama administration is acting swiftly to ensure that key positions for Indian Country are filled with qualified candidates," Navajo President Ben Shelly said yesterday. "The Navajo Nation is looking forward to his expertise assisting in the continued progress of Indian Country."

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar also welcomed the news. He has made Indian issues a top priority since joining the Obama administration in January 2009.

"Kevin Washburn has a keen understanding of the many issues that affect Indian Country,” Salazar said in a press release. “His strong professional and academic experience will be a key asset to the Department as we continue to strengthen the integrity of the government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes and empower Native American and Alaska Native communities. He will be an excellent addition to our team.”

Washburn has direct experience in law enforcement and Indian gaming.

Get the Story:
UNM Dean Picked for Indian Affairs (The Albuquerque Journal 8/3)
President Barack Obama names Oklahoma native Kevin K. Washburn for top Indian Affairs position (The Oklahoman 8/3)
UNM law school dean nominated for federal job (AP 8/3)

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Kevin Washburn, Chickasaw, nominated as Assistant Secretary (8/2)