WINDOW ROCK, AZ – During a recent meeting of the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT), Oglala Sioux Tribe President Kevin Killer was appointed to serve as COLT President; Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer was appointed as Vice-Chair; Shoshone-Bannock Tribe Councilman Nathan Small was appointed as COLT Secretary; and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Councilwoman Lisa Whitepipe will serve as COLT Treasurer.
The Coalition of Large Tribes was established in April 2011 to provide a unified advocacy base for tribes that govern large trust land bases and provide service in the governing of their enrolled members. The coalition is comprised of tribal leaders from the Navajo Nation, Crow Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Spirit Lake Tribe, Spokane Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Omaha Tribe, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and others.
“I extend my appreciation to the fellow members of the coalition for the nomination and appointment,” said Vice President Lizer. “It is an honor to serve in this capacity. There are many tribal issues and concerns that impact large land-based tribes, however, the many tribes on the coalition will continue to work together to accomplish our priorities.”
During the meeting, Vice President Lizer also provided a report that included updates on Navajo Nation initiatives related to opportunity zones, infrastructure, COVID-19 mitigation efforts, broadband connectivity, and the American Rescue Plan initiatives.
“The comprehensive project listing compiled by the Executive Branch for the Navajo Nation exceeds $18 billion,” said Vice President Lizer. “Clearly, $2 billion will not meet all of the needs in our communities, but it is a start, and it is an opportunity to improve the quality of life for future generations through infrastructure development and other initiatives included in the proposal. As tribal leaders, we must be able to support each other’s initiatives and investments.”
“I congratulate Vice President Lizer on his recent appointment, as well as the other tribal leaders who were selected to lead the coalition,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “He will do a great job in advocating for large tribes and the Navajo people.”
During the COLT meeting, the tribal leaders also received reports from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture of the Office of Tribal Relations, U.S. Department of Treasury, Native Connections, and others. The next Coalition of Large Tribes meeting is scheduled for December.
