Fawn Sharp
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| Fawn Sharp | |
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| Name | Fawn Sharp office = President of the National Congress of American Indians term_start = 2019 term_end = 2021 predecessor = Jefferson Keel successor = birth_date = birth_place = death_date = death_place = party = spouse = children = alma_mater = Loyola University Chicago and Gonzaga University School of Law occupation = Lawyer and Tribal leader |
Fawn Sharp is a renowned Quinault Indian Nation leader, who has worked closely with the National Congress of American Indians, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the United States Department of the Interior. She has been a strong advocate for Native American rights, tribal sovereignty, and environmental protection, often collaborating with organizations like the Sierra Club and the Environmental Protection Agency. Sharp's leadership has been influenced by notable figures such as Wilma Mankiller, Vine Deloria Jr., and Suzan Shown Harjo. Her work has also been shaped by significant events, including the Indian Reorganization Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
● Early Life and Education
Fawn Sharp was born and raised in the Quinault Indian Reservation in Washington state, where she developed a deep connection to her Quinault people heritage and the Native American culture. She pursued higher education at Loyola University Chicago, where she earned a degree in Sociology and later attended Gonzaga University School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree. During her time at law school, Sharp was exposed to the works of prominent Native American scholars, including Charles Eastman and Zitkala-Ša. Her educational background has been complemented by her involvement with organizations like the National Indian Education Association and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
● Career
Sharp's career in law and tribal leadership began with her work as a prosecutor for the Quinault Nation, where she focused on criminal justice and tribal law enforcement. She later served as the President of the Quinault Indian Nation, working closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to address issues related to public safety and economic development. Sharp has also been involved with various organizations, including the Native American Rights Fund, the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, and the National Museum of the American Indian. Her work has been influenced by notable events, such as the Wounded Knee incident and the Alcatraz-Red Power Movement.
● Presidential Term
As the President of the National Congress of American Indians, Sharp has played a crucial role in shaping the organization's policies and advocacy efforts, often working in conjunction with the United States Congress, the White House, and the Department of the Interior. During her term, she has focused on issues such as climate change, healthcare reform, and voting rights, frequently collaborating with organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the American Civil Liberties Union. Sharp's leadership has been marked by significant events, including the Census of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have had a profound impact on Native American communities.
● Advocacy and Policy
Fawn Sharp has been a vocal advocate for Native American rights and tribal sovereignty, often working with organizations like the Native American Journalists Association and the Indian Country Today. She has testified before the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the United States House Committee on Natural Resources, addressing issues such as land management, water rights, and cultural preservation. Sharp's advocacy efforts have been influenced by notable figures, including Deborah Parker, LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, and Winona LaDuke, and have been shaped by significant events, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
● Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Fawn Sharp has received numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and advocacy, including the National Congress of American Indians Lifetime Achievement Award and the Native American Rights Fund Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been honored by organizations such as the American Bar Association, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and the Indian Health Service. Sharp's work has also been recognized by prominent individuals, including Deb Haaland, Sharice Davids, and Tom Udall, and has been featured in publications like the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Indian Country Today.