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National
Osage Nation chief makes bid for NCAI presidency


Jim Gray, the chief of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, announced his campaign to become the next president of the National Congress of American Indians.

Gray cited his advocacy for tribes and Indian people, including efforts to settle the Cobell v. Norton lawsuit. He was co-chair of a task force that developed principles to reform the Indian trust fund.

Gray joins Joe Garcia, the governor of San Juan Pueblo of New Mexico, in seeking the NCAI presidency. Garcia has served as vice-president of NCAI for two consecutive terms. Tex Hall, the current president, is stepping down after two terms due to term limits.

Other tribal leaders have declared their candidacies for NCAI posts. Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Chairman James "J.C." Crawford is running for treasurer, a post currently held by Ron Allen, the chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe of Washington.

Oglala Sioux Tribe President Cecelia Fire Thunder is running for secretary, a post currently held by Juana Majel of the Pauma-Yuima Band of Luiseo Indians. Fire Thunder is the first female president of her tribe.

This year's annual NCAI convention is being held in Gray's backyard of Tulsa, Oklahoma. It runs from October 30 through November 4 at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Get the Story:
Osage chief announces candidacy for NCAI president (The Native American Times 8/31)

Relevant Links:
National Congress of American Indians - http://www.ncai.org