NCAI Congratulates Keith Harper On His Confirmation To Serve as US Representative to the UN Human Rights Council

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) congratulates Keith Harper of the Cherokee Nation on his confirmation as United States Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council. His historic confirmation makes Ambassador Harper the first member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe to serve at the U.S. Ambassador level.

Ambassador Harper is an attorney who has dedicated his career to the injustices facing Native peoples. Issues surrounding Indigenous peoples have emerged prominently on the agenda of the United Nations, and Ambassador Harper will be a valuable resource to the Human Rights Council. We look forward to working with him to ensure that the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is fully implemented, and as tribal nations prepare for the upcoming high-level plenary meeting known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples taking place this September. 

NCAI greatly appreciates the efforts of the President and Senate in achieving this historic confirmation. Indian Country is full of qualified, talented people who are able and willing to serve. We eagerly anticipate many more nominations of Native people to important offices.