Published on Mar 14, 2012
Statements by NCAI President Jefferson Keel and Executive Director Jacqueline Pata on the passing of Chairman Richard M. Milanovich of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Washington, DC – The National Congress of American Indians has issued the following statements by President Jefferson Keel and Executive Director Jacqueline Pata on the passing of Chairman Richard M. Milanovich of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians:
NCAI President Jefferson Keel
“Richard was a personal friend, but more than that, he was a true champion for all Indian sovereignty and rights,” said NCAI President Keel of Chairman Milanovich. “Always true to his word and always willing to take the extra step to help others, his presence will truly be missed. On behalf of the entire NCAI organization and community, I offer our prayers and thoughts to the Milanovich family and the Agua Caliente Band.”
NCAI Executive Director, Jacqueline Pata
“As a member of the board of NCAI, Chairman Milanovich shared with us his vision for a unified Indian Country, united by strong coalitions and focused on the policies we needed to be engaged on,” said NCAI Executive Director, Jacqueline Pata. “His vision for Indian Country was paired with his keen business sense. As a nonprofit organization, he challenged us to become stronger than we had ever been. As a mentor he provided me with incredible insight and he will be greatly missed.”