Keith Harper, a member of the Cherokee Nation, has been nominated to an ambassador-rank post.

President Barack Obama today announced Harper as his pick for United States Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council. If confirmed by the Senate, Harper would be the first Native American in an ambassador post.

Harper is most well-known for working on the Cobell trust fund lawsuit since its inception in 1996. He started off at the Native American Rights Fund and joined the Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton firm before a settlement was announced in December 2009.

The United Nations Human Rights Council addresses human rights issues around the world. Prior U.S. representatives have included Eleanor Roosevelt and Geraldine Ferraro, according to Wikipedia.