Patrice Kunesh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrice Kunesh
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| Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans | |
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Incumbent
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| Assumed office March 8, 2023 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Jeannie Hovland |
| Personal details | |
| Education | Colorado State University (BA) University of Colorado Boulder (JD) Harvard University (MPA) |
Patrice H. Kunesh is an American lawyer and government official. She is from the Standing Rock Lakota people. Since March 2023, Ms. Kunesh has been the leader of the Administration for Native Americans. This is a government office that helps Native American communities. She has also been nominated to lead the National Indian Gaming Commission. This group helps make sure Native American gaming (like casinos) is fair and well-managed.
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Early Life and Education
Patrice Kunesh is a descendant of the Standing Rock Lakota people. Her mother is an official member of the tribe. Patrice says her mother and grandfather inspired her to help Native Americans.
Her grandfather was born on a reservation in 1903. He moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota, with his mother. He faced unfair treatment because he was Native American. He later moved to Alaska to find work. Patrice's father was also a lawyer. He worked in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Patrice Kunesh studied French language and literature at Colorado State University. She earned a special law degree called a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado Law School. Later, she earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. This degree helps people learn how to manage public organizations.
Patrice Kunesh's Career
Patrice Kunesh has spent her career working to help Native American communities. She has held many important jobs.
From 1989 to 1995, she worked as a lawyer for the Native American Rights Fund. This group protects the rights of Native Americans. From 1994 to 2005, she was a lawyer for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe in Connecticut.
She also taught law as a professor. From 2005 to 2011, she was a professor at the University of South Dakota School of Law.
Government Service
Patrice Kunesh has worked in several important government roles. From 2011 to 2013, she worked for the United States Department of the Interior. This department manages public lands and helps Native American tribes. She also worked for the United States Department of Agriculture. There, she helped with rural development.
From 2015 to 2020, she led the Center for Indian Country Development. This center is part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. It works to help Native American communities grow their economies. In 2020, Kunesh returned to the Native American Rights Fund. She also started her own company, Peȟíŋ Haha Consulting. This company helps Native American businesses grow.
Working with President Biden
On June 22, 2022, President Joe Biden chose Patrice Kunesh for a big job. He nominated her to be the commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans. This office supports Native American programs. On March 8, 2023, the United States Senate voted to confirm her. This means she officially became the commissioner.
On July 23, 2024, President Biden nominated Kunesh for another important role. She was chosen to lead the National Indian Gaming Commission. This group makes sure Native American gaming is fair. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) supports her for this job.
Personal Life
Patrice Kunesh has a sister named Mary Kunesh. Mary is also involved in government. She is a member of the Minnesota Senate.
