Fawn Sharp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fawn Sharp
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Sharp in 2019
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| President of the National Congress of American Indians | |
| In office October 24, 2019 – November 17, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Jefferson Keel |
| Succeeded by | Mark Macarro |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 20, 1970 |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Gonzaga University (BA) University of Washington (JD) |
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Fawn Sharp, born on May 20, 1970, is a Native American leader, lawyer, and advocate. She served as the president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) from 2019 to 2023. This organization works to protect the rights and interests of Native American tribes.
Before leading the NCAI, Sharp was the president of the Quinault Indian Nation. She also led the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and was a vice president for the NCAI.
Sharp has also worked in other government roles. She was a judge for the Washington Department of Revenue. She also served on the board of the Washington State Bar Association. Governor Gary Locke appointed her as a trustee for Grays Harbor College. After a major court case called Cobell v. Salazar, she was chosen to lead the National Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform. This group looked at how Native American lands were managed.
Early Life and Education
Fawn Sharp was born in Aberdeen, Washington. She finished her studies at Gonzaga University in 1990 when she was 19 years old. Later, she graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1995. After law school, she continued her education. She earned special certificates from the University of Oxford and the University of Nevada.
What Has Fawn Sharp Achieved in Her Career?
Fawn Sharp has held many important leadership roles. In 2015, some people tried to remove several Quinault officials from their positions. While the vice president was removed, Sharp kept her role as president. She was elected for her fourth term as Quinault president in March 2015. During her third term, the Quinault Nation hosted the Canoe Journey in 2013. This is an important cultural event for many tribes.
In November 2023, Fawn Sharp could not run for president of the National Congress of American Indians again. This was because of term limits. Mark Macarro took over her position.
Representing Native Nations on the World Stage
Fawn Sharp made history as the first tribal leader to receive special diplomatic credentials from the United States Department of State. This allowed her to represent the National Congress of American Indians at important international meetings. For example, she attended the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). This conference brought together leaders from around the world to discuss climate change.
