Shaun Chapoose, member of the Ute Indian Tribe and resident of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, officially announced in a press release Friday his candidacy for president of the National Congress of American Indians. Chapoose is currently the chairman of Utah Tribal Leaders which includes leadership from the 8 federally recognized tribes in Utah. He also serves as the co-chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and the Uncompahgre Band representative for the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee. Chapoose says that he would like to see the National Congress of American Indians work with tribal leadership across the country to lead the charge in three main areas: sovereignty, self-determination, and tribal lands and resources. “We cannot go back in time,” shares Chapoose, “but we also cannot forget who we are. We must work within the confines of today’s society—using the tools we have available—without losing sight of our ancestors, our traditions and our cultures.” The election is being held during the 76th NCAI Convention & Marketplace coming up October 20th through the 25th in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
