Earlier this year, Delores Pigsley, Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was honored at the 29th Annual National Indian Women’s “Supporting Each Other” luncheon during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Council Winter Summit in Washington D.C.
Each year, the luncheon recognizes tribal members who have demonstrated strong leadership and a steadfast commitment to defend and protect the sovereignty of Indian nations. It’s no surprise that the NCAI saw those attributes in Chairman Pigsley.
For decades, Chairman Pigsley has dedicated her life to serving and protecting Indian rights while uplifting the Siletz way of life and supporting communities across the nation.
Since her election to the council in 1975, she has been instrumental in the Tribe’s right to reclaim federal recognition. In 1977, Chairman Pigsley led the lobbying of Congress to repeal the Western Oregon Termination Act of 1954. The effort – known as “Restoration” – resulted in the Siletz Tribe becoming the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.
Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Vice-Chairman David Bean and Chairman Stevens presented floral tributes to honor Chairman Pigsley during the ceremony.
“I always look forward to this annual recognition,” said Chairman Stevens. “It provides a profound opportunity to honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our honorees, the true champions of Indian Country, who steadfastly defend our tribal sovereignty and protect our people. For over two decades, the IGA has proudly participated in this remarkable luncheon, recognizing the leadership of many exceptional Native women. It feels like a natural fit for me, having grown up in this industry and had the privilege of working alongside these inspiring women.” (Indian Gaming)
In addition to Chairman Pigsley, the IGA also honored Tracy Stanhoff, former Chairman of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation, and Paula Hart, former Director of the Indian Affairs Office of Indian Gaming and an enrolled citizen of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York.