Two National Indian Gaming Commission officials recently were honored for their leadership abilities and contributions. NIGC Chief of Staff Shannon O’Loughlin of the Choctaw Nation was appointed to the Cultural Property Advisory Committee by President Barack Obama. NIGC Vice Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause of Taos Pueblo was named one of the National Center for American Enterprise Development’s 40 Under 40 Emerging American Indian Leaders.
O’Loughlin will serve a renewable three-year term as one of eleven members of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee, which is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs and advises the President on appropriate U.S. action in response to requests from foreign governments for assistance in protecting their cultural heritage.
O’Loughlin said, “I am extremely humbled to be appointed to the committee and look forward to providing my assistance and expertise while part of this committee.”
NIGC Chairman Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri noted, “NIGC is proud to have our chief of staff appointed to such a significant committee. The protection of cultural property and sacred items is extremely important in ensuring that our Native American cultures are secured and that these items can remain as part of our ongoing cultural and religious practices for our present and future generations. Ms. O’Loughlin will bring this perspective to her work protecting the cultural heritage of other countries while serving on the committee.”
Prior to working for the NIGC, Secretary Sally Jewell appointed O’Loughlin to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Review Committee. She has served as legal counsel for numerous tribes regarding the protection of cultural items and sacred sites, and has served as in-house and outside counsel for tribal governments, tribal government business entities and nonprofits serving Indian Country.
Isom-Clause’s NCAIED award recognizes Native Americans under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication and made significant contributions in business and their communities. Isom-Clause said, “I am honored to be recognized by NCAIED for its annual 40 under 40 award and to be a part of the talented and inspiring group from across Indian Country. At NIGC, we share NCAIED’s goal of promoting economic development in Indian Country. I look forward to continuing our work in support of strong tribal communities.”
Chaudhuri stated, “On behalf of the National Indian Gaming Commission I would like to thank Isom-Clause for her commitment to Indian country and congratulate her on this prestigious award. I am confident she will continue to do great work for her community and Indian Country as a whole.”
Prior to joining the NIGC, Isom-Clause served as a senior counselor to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. In private practice, she provided legal advice and representation to tribal clients on a wide range of federal Indian law and policy issues. Isom-Clause earned a bachelor of arts degree from Wellesley College and received her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.
