Senate Has Confirmed Kevin Washburn as Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WASHINGTON DC – The US Senate confirmed Kevin Washburn, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. The Senate confirmed Washburn's nomination, which President Obama first announced in early August, by unanimous consent last night before adjourning until after the November 6th election.

US Senate confirmed Kevin Washburn by unanimous consent

“As we continue to strengthen the integrity of the nation's government to government relationship with federally recognized Indian tribes and empower Native American and Alaska Native communities, Kevin Washburn will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team and a vital asset for President Obama's initiatives in Indian country,”

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.

Washburn will lead a team that includes Larry Roberts as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. An enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, Roberts, who joined Interior on September 5, is an accomplished federal attorney with extensive experience in federal Indian law and programs. He had been serving as General Counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission since July 2010.

Del Laverdure, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, has been serving as the Acting Assistant Secretary. During his tenure, Laverdure has worked to resolve long-standing water rights issues, improve public safety and education in tribal communities, accelerate the restoration of tribal homelands, and to help Indian nations pursue the future of their choosing.

posted September 22, 2012 2:30 pm edt