Hearing on Kevin Washburn Nomination to lead BIA set for Friday

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will conduct a hearing Friday, Sept. 14 on the nomination of Kevin Washburn, Chickasaw, to lead the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby will formally introduce Mr. Washburn to the committee when the hearing begins at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, 1:30 Central.

President Barack Obama nominated Mr. Washburn Oct. 2 of this year to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior.

"Kevin Washburn is a very wise choice to lead the Bureau of Indian Affairs" said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "Mr. Washburn has the education and experience which make him uniquely qualified to lead the BIA. As a legal scholar, his works in the fields of Indian criminal law and gaming law have helped lead to advances in federal Indian policy.

"He also has the extensive experience and strong leadership skills necessary to ensure the BIA continues to be a positive force in helping enhance the quality of life of Indian people across the nation."

If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Washburn will be the second Chickasaw in recent years to lead the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Chickasaw Neal McCaleb led the BIA from July 2001 to November, 2002.

The hearing will be webcast live at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs web site - http://www.indian.senate.gov/index.cfm