Brian Cladoosby
Cladoosby at the raising of the John T. Williams Memorial Totem Pole, Seattle Center, February 26, 2012
21st President of National Congress of American Indians
In office
October 2013 – October 2017
Preceded byJefferson Keel
Succeeded byJefferson Keel
Chairman of Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
In office
1997–2020
Preceded byRobert Wayne Joe Sr.
Succeeded bySteve Edwards
Personal details
Born (1959-05-13) May 13, 1959 (age 64)
Skagit County, Washington, U.S.
SpouseNina Cladoosby
Children2
Alma materSkagit Valley College

Brian Cladoosby (born May 13, 1959) is a Native American leader and activist. He served as chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community from 1997 to 2020 and was elected to his first of two terms as president of the National Congress of American Indians in October 2013.[1][2] He previously served as president of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

As president of NCAI, he introduced President Obama at a White House Tribal Nations Conference and was a guest at the state dinner given for the president of France.

Cladoosby is an active defender of tribal sovereignty,[3] treaty rights and the environment.[4] Cladoosby has been a staunch opponent of the Dakota Access Pipeline.[5][6]

During his tenure as Swinomish chairman, the tribe became one of the largest employers in Skagit County, its police department was granted authority by the state to enforce state law, and health care was expanded to include dental care by dental health therapists, the equivalent of a physician assistant (PA-C). The tribe's didgwalic Wellness Center provides outpatient addiction treatment and is open to the general community. The Swinomish Tribe hosted the 2011 Canoe Journey.

Cladoosby lost his seat as Swinomish chairman on March 9, 2020, to Steve Edwards.[7] Cladoosby had previously lost his reelection bid for the Swinomish Tribal Senate to Alana Quintasket in the February 9 general election.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Meet Native America: Brian Cladoosby, Chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and President of the National Congress of American Indians". National Museum of the American Indian. January 30, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  2. ^ Lerman, Rachel (October 17, 2013). "Swinomish chairman elected president of National Congress of American Indians". Skagit Valley Herald. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  3. ^ Schwing, Emily (June 30, 2016). "Tribal Sovereignty A Hot Topic At Gathering Of Native American Leaders In Spokane". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  4. ^ Alzola, Briana (January 27, 2016). "Profile of a Leader: Indian nations president remains firmly rooted in Swinomish tribe". goanacortes.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ Mapes, Lynda V. (October 24, 2016). "Washington tribes stand with Standing Rock Sioux against North Dakota oil pipeline". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  6. ^ Hotakainen, Rob (September 23, 2016). "Tribes' message to Obama: Help us block the Dakota pipeline". McClatchy DC. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  7. ^ Walker, Richard (March 11, 2020). "Quintasket joins Swinomish Senate; Edwards elected chairman". Anacortes American. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  8. ^ "Swinomish Chairman Cladoosby defeated in bid for reelection to Tribal Senate". Anacortes American. February 9, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
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