NCAI announces passing of former Executive Director JoAnn K. Chase
The National Congress of American Indians announced the passing of JoAnn K. Chase, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and former executive director of the organization, according to a statement from NCAI.
Chase served as executive director of NCAI and the NCAI Fund from 1994 to 2001. During her tenure, she tripled the organization’s staff, operating budget and tribal membership and expanded its advocacy for tribal sovereignty in Washington, according to NCAI. She previously served as director of governmental affairs and policy analyst, helping to develop the organization’s governmental affairs program and legislative advocacy on behalf of tribal governments.
After leaving NCAI, Chase served as director of the American Indian Environmental Office at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she led national efforts on environmental protection and tribal consultation, according to the statement. NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. said her leadership strengthened the organization’s voice for tribal nations.
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