Early next week, the United States Senate will vote on his nomination to be the United States Ambassador to the United Nation Human Rights Council, and I call on the Senate to overwhelmingly confirm him to this important position. Without doubt, Keith Harper will serve in this role with integrity, fairness and compassion. I know his values, experience and tribal heritage give him a unique perspective, and he has proven to be a champion for justice throughout his impressive career.

Cherokee citizens have achieved great things in service to their tribal nation and their country. Our commitment to the protection of this nation means we have served in every war the United States has ever entered and our people have served in every branch of the armed services. However, no Cherokee citizen has held the honor of serving his or her country abroad as an ambassador. Keith Harper is highly qualified for this position, and there will be many future leaders from across Indian Country who will look to him as an example of success at the highest level and stand on his shoulders.

Keith Harper’s lengthy experience as an outstanding lawyer, a tribal court judge and an experienced advocate for the civil and human rights of indigenous people here and around the world make him the ideal nominee for this important position. This is why he has such a wide base of support for his confirmation, with over 120 tribal nations joining more than 20 civil rights, human rights, and Jewish and women’s organizations in voicing their strong support for Harper’s swift confirmation.