Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 2, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke names Kimberly Craven to lead Office of Indian Affairs

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today named Kimberly Craven of Portland to head the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs.

Craven, an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe on the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota, has worked for years as an advocate for tribes and American Indian people.

"I look forward to having Kimberly join the small agency cabinet," Locke said. "She will bring a new perspective to the Office of Indian Affairs, and I look forward to working with her on a wide variety of issues."

"I relish the opportunity to use my skills, abilities and education to make a difference in Indian Country," Craven said.

Prior to her current position with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission in Portland, Craven was involved in numerous activities related to tribal issues. As an instructor at the University of Denver, she taught courses in contemporary Indian issues. She also served as a consultant to the Mni Sose Inter-Tribal Water Rights Coalition in Rapid City, S.D., where she served on the technical team for a coalition of 28 tribes in the Northern Plains region. Craven served as a legislative aide to Congressman Ben Nighthorse Campbell in Washington, D.C. She also worked as a staff member for Washington's Senator Daniel J. Evans, vice-chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs. She also has worked as a researcher and project coordinator.

Craven earned a bachelor's degree from the Evergreen State College in 1987 and earned her doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1994.

Craven, age 40, will begin her duties July 12. The position carries an annual salary of $60,000.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive