John Warren, David Z. Bean recognized with John Kieffer Sovereignty Award

Hosted at the Wild Horse Pass Resort & Casino on the Gila River Indian Community, the John Kieffer Sovereignty Award was presented to Warren and Bean during the Sovereignty Banquet that is held each year during the NIGA Mid-Year Conference.

Named in honor of the late John Kieffer of the Spokane tribe, recipients of this award are chosen based on their embodiment of NIGA's mission and purpose. Kieffer was a dedicated member of the NIGA Executive Committee and advocate for Indian self-determination and tribal sovereignty.

Chairman Stevens reflected on the late John Kieffer, "So many great things have happened in Indian country, but we still have a lot of work to do. There are so many tribes that need us. That's why we need more people like the late John Kieffer. He was a worker, who worked hard morning, noon and night. He worked hard for his people, his family and he worked hard for Indian country. We memorialize him and celebrate the memory of his life."

Spokane Tribal Council Members Greg Abrahamson and Danny Kieffer, the son of John Kieffer spoke about Kieffer's life, his determination and his service to Indian country. Danny Kieffer thanked the NIGA for keeping his father's memory alive. It is an honor for my family. He continued, "It was hard to fill in where my Dad left off, and working with his friends, who have taken me under their wings have made it possible. It is a dream come true for me to follow in his leadership service."

Chairman Stevens presented the first of the Kieffer awards to Chairman John Warren. Upon accepting the award, Warren said "I am so humbled because I have always looked up to the leaders who have received this award. I am so grateful to be here. This recognition does not go to my tribe alone or me. You know as Indian people; we do everything as a team. If you stand alone as a tribe you do not get anywhere, nothing happens. To me, this award is about the greatness of our leadership in Indian country."

Chairman Stevens then presented the John Kieffer Award to Puyallup Councilman David Z. Bean, who recognized the women in his life who were instrumental in supporting him and paving his way.

"It is very humbling, and I am honored to receive this award. I would not be the man I am today without many strong Indian Women in my life, starting with my Mom, Gloria Iyetel Bean, and my wife Kellie, my sisters and my many aunties in our community."