Posted By Toyacoyah Brown Last Updated on: June 4th, 2014

Congratulations to Keith Harper, member of the Cherokee Nation, on his confirmation yesterday!

Direct from the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs press release:

U.S. SENATE – Cherokee Nation citizen Keith Harper made history today when the United States Senate confirmed him to serve as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, making him the first Native American to serve as an Ambassador.

Senator Jon Tester (D- Mont.), Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs applauded Harper’s appointment:

“Keith Harper has had an exemplary career as a lawyer and a judge. I’m pleased that my colleagues have voted to appoint another historic first for Indian Country. As a longtime advocate for the civil rights of Native Americans, Keith will be a great Ambassador for our country.”

On December 18, 2013, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Harper’s nomination. Harper served as counsel on the historic Cobell v. Salazar case, which resulted in a $3.4 billion land settlement for Indian Country. He is currently a partner in the law firm, Kilpatrick Townsend and was previously a litigator at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF).