For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Mark Gaston
(202) 632-7003
Vice Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause named one of NCAIED “40 Under 40” Emerging American Indian Leaders
WASHINGTON, November 30, 2016 - November is Native American Heritage Month, a month that is focused on honoring and preserving Native American culture & heritage as well as honoring leaders of Indian country. Vice Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause (Taos Pueblo) is one of those leaders. Ms. Isom-Clause has recently been named one of The National Center for American Enterprise Development’s (NCAIED) “40 Under 40” Emerging American Indian Leaders.
This prestigious award from NCAIED recognizes Native American individuals under the age of 40 who have made important contributions to their communities. Recipients of this award have demonstrated leadership, initiative, dedication and made significant contributions in business and their communities.
“I am honored to be recognized by NCAIED for its annual “40 under 40” award and to be a part of the talented and inspiring group from across Indian Country. At NIGC, we share NCAIED’s goal of promoting economic development in Indian Country. I look forward to continuing our work in support of strong tribal communities,” said Isom-Clause.
Before joining the NIGC, she served as a senior counselor to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. While there she advised the Assistant Secretary on Indian gaming matters, including tribal-state gaming compacts, environmental compliance issues and revenue allocation plans. She chaired interagency working groups on sacred sites, homelessness, and coordinated listening sessions and roundtables with tribal stakeholders. Additionally, she has taken part in the restoration and protection of tribal homelands. Prior to joining the federal government, Isom-Clause provided legal advice and representation to tribal clients on a wide range of federal Indian law and policy issues important to Indian Country. Ms. Isom-Clause graduated with a B.A. from Wellesley College, Massachusetts and received her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law, New York.
Isom-Clause and other awardees were honored during the 41st Annual Indian Progress in Business Awards Gala on Wednesday, November 16th at the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
“On behalf of the National Indian gaming Commission I would like to thank Isom-Clause for her commitment to Indian country and congratulate her on this prestigious award. I am confident she will continue to do great work for her community and Indian Country as a whole,” said Chairman Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri when asked about Isom-Clause’s award reception.
###
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission including (1) To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes; (2) To stay ahead of the Technology Curve; (3) Rural outreach; and (4) To maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of 497 gaming establishments operated by 244 tribes across 29 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the growing $29.9 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Download the PDF here.
