Luttrell takes leadership role in National Caucus of Native American State Legislators

OKLAHOMA CITY — The National Caucus of Native American State Legislators have elected Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, to their national executive committee.

Luttrell will serve as the peacekeeper on the executive committee and vice chair of the economic development and telecommunications policy committee.

During their visit to Denver, Colo., the group met with the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs, toured the Center for American Indian Alaska Native Health, and met with Native American Voting Rights and Indian Child Welfare organizations.

“It is a privilege to be included in this distinguished group of legislators nationwide,” Luttrell said. “To share and seek solutions to issues, concerns, and successes facing Oklahoma’s 39 recognized tribes, citizens, and legislature is an honor.”

The National Caucus of Native American State Legislators (NCNASL) works to promote a better understanding of state-tribal issues among policymakers and the public. Members work to encourage a broad awareness of state-tribal issues across the country and raise the profile of tribal issues throughout the state legislative arena.

The effectiveness of the caucus and the strength of individual Native American legislators increases the ability of the state legislatures to more appropriately address tribal issues and develop public policy in cooperation with tribal governments.

With 90 members from 21 states, the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators:

• Provides a forum for discussion among Native American legislators.

• Works to increase awareness of diverse Native American cultures.

• Supports state-tribal communications to encourage open dialogue, understanding and cooperation.

• Provides American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian legislators with research, training, and educational opportunities.

As a member of the Cherokee Nation and co-chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Caucus of Native Americans, Luttrell represents District 37 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.