Studio ‘08/DNC
Wizipan Garriott
Wizipan Garriott named Obama’s First Americans Public Liaison
By
Rob Capriccioso
Story Published:
Jan 2, 2009
Story Updated:
Jan 2, 2009
WASHINGTON – Wizipan Garriott, 28, has been appointed First Americans Public Liaison, a newly created position in President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team. The position is aimed at honoring a nation-to-nation relationship with tribes.
Amy Brundage, a spokeswoman for the team, confirmed Garriott’s role Dec. 10.
Garriott, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, could not offer comment on the development, as members of Obama’s transition team have been instructed not to talk about their specific contributions.
Garriott’s position on the transition group brings the total number of Native Americans serving on it to seven. Indian Country Today previously reported that John Echohawk, Keith Harper, Robert Anderson, Mary Smith, Mary McNeil and Yvette Robideaux all hold positions on the team.
Garriott, whose first name means “burden” in Lakota, graduated from Yale University in 2003 with a degree in American studies. He then went on to work as an assistant to former Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., who has been a key player in the Obama campaign and was recently tapped to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
After Daschle lost his bid for re-election in 2004, Garriott attended the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in Tucson, and obtained a law degree there in June. In 2005, he also helped incorporate the He Sapa Leadership Academy, a college preparatory school on his reservation for students in grades eight to 12.
As Daschle became involved with Obama’s campaign, the longtime politician ultimately recommended Garriott to become a part of the effort.
Daschle’s recommendation was helpful, as Garriott ended up joining the Obama campaign for president as a Native American outreach coordinator in Sept. 2007. In June, he was officially hired as the campaign’s First Americans vote director. His chief objective was collaborating with tribes and Native groups, trying to get out the Native vote in many states, including New Mexico, Wisconsin, Montana and Michigan.
“For us, the campaign has always been about community empowerment,” Garriott told ICT in late-September.
“We’ve tried to put as many resources as possible into Indian communities so we can help our own people organize and empower themselves. That’s what this is all about.”
He also predicted in the interview that Indian participation in the election would help sway the vote in close swing states.
Garriott is the son of Elizabeth Little Elk, who works for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in the child and family services arena, and Charlie Garriott, a teacher at Todd County High School, located on the reservation in Mission, S.D.
While in college, Garriott served as a peer counselor to younger Native students. Amid controversy over whether there should be ethnic counselors and cultural houses at the institution, he made it be known that he felt such networks are beneficial, especially for reservation youth.
In a December 2002 issue of The Yale Herald, Garriott noted that the majority of reservation youth hail from economically depressed areas, which can make it especially difficult for Indian students to adjust to mainstream colleges, both academically and culturally.
At Yale, Garriott also worked as vice-president of Night Shield Entertainment, a music-focused company founded by one of his Native friends, Gabriel Night Shield. Garriott assisted with promotion and helped with efforts on distribution, talent evaluation and music selection.
Upon learning of Garriott’s new appointment, Night Shield said he and many other tribal members were “really proud of what Wizi has accomplished.”
“We were joking about it the other day – maybe in about 20 years we’ll be voting for Wizi as president,” said Night Shield, who attended high school at St. Francis Indian School with Garriott in South Dakota.
Monday, Jan 19 at 6:50 PM Peji quota Sunka Luzahan wrote ...
WASTELO!!
15147609Wednesday, Jan 14 at 6:17 PM Jaime wrote ...
Our voices will "FINALLY" be heard. Jaime Rosario, Taino-Boricua Jibaro....
14881549Tuesday, Dec 30 at 7:56 PM Executive Director of Rising American Indian Nations wrote ...
Congratulations, I am confident that you will help all tribes in need.
14249939Tuesday, Dec 30 at 11:26 AM yellowrobe tiospaye wrote ...
Congratulations Sicangu relative! Wopilas Takansila!
14227528Monday, Dec 22 at 11:23 PM LeMoine wrote ...
Wizipan, I will offer Tunkasila prayers for renewed courage and increased clarity of vision, as you become the advance scout who negotiates unexplored territory. You are, in deed, the one who can accurately articulate the dramatically changing contours of a new landscape and environment. Thank you for accepting the responsibilities associated with these unique challenges. Hoka hey!
14023224Monday, Dec 22 at 5:24 PM dpwiese wrote ...
A big congratulations from the American Indian Association of Illinois!!!!!
14011958Saturday, Dec 20 at 3:10 PM Levi EagleFeather Sr. wrote ...
Congrats to you Wizi, and good luck in the future. We are definitely in need of any and all the help we can get. Your appointment is a good sign towards the thought of change and a life giving breath to the notion of Hope for us Americans in Indian Country.
13937373Saturday, Dec 20 at 8:44 AM NACNA Secretary, Lot Smith II wrote ...
The Great Spirit has always been with us, it is we that should be grateful that such a pass has finally come.
13927833Saturday, Dec 20 at 2:40 AM Inyan wrote ...
Congrats Wizi and to all Native people. Let's continue believing we can create change and make a difference.
13925383Friday, Dec 19 at 7:51 AM Jori Waln wrote ...
Congratulations Wizi!!!
13882813Thursday, Dec 18 at 8:10 PM Steve Emery/Naca Wamni Omni wrote ...
Toska, blihiciya yo! Cante suta yo! Taku ecanu kta kin lela otehikelo. Onsicicila, Ni Leksi.
13868958Thursday, Dec 18 at 8:07 PM Cayuse, Walla Walla, Umatilla, Nez Perce Tribal Member wrote ...
Congratulations!! Good luck to you in your new position...Yippy Yahooo!! Northwest Natives wish you the best!!
13868828Thursday, Dec 18 at 2:25 PM Barb Fabre wrote ...
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS from the Chairperson of the National Indian Child Care Association. We need representation in Washington DC and hope that our organization can work with Mr. Garriott in the very near future on tribal child care issues in Indian Country.
13847668Thursday, Dec 18 at 1:19 PM Tasunke Louzahan wrote ...
Finally, a Native brother from a large LAND BASED tribe. No disrespect to urban NDN's or landless tribes, but we have long needed a reservation based NDN to truly represent our needs!
13842473Thursday, Dec 18 at 11:08 AM iktomi wrote ...
Yes, as an elder of Rosebud, I am proud to know one of my people has been called upon to take on this important role in Indian Country..our country- all of it.
13831258Thursday, Dec 18 at 10:56 AM morningstar wrote ...
im so glad that pres elect obama kept his word as for standing with the natives. we do need a change and a change is coming! many blessings from comanche country!!!
13830103Thursday, Dec 18 at 10:19 AM kiml@whiteearth.com wrote ...
This is wonderful news to hear and makes me proud that we are valued in the highest office of the USA -congratulations Garriot
13826528Thursday, Dec 18 at 1:30 AM Georgia Plummer -Gallup, NM wrote ...
Very impressed with him--let's all pray for him and his new appointment, he needs all our support regardless of what tribe or nation we belong to. May the Great Spirit Bless us all.
13811103Thursday, Dec 18 at 1:22 AM Robert Moore wrote ...
Misun: We are praying for strength and wisdom for you and courage and fortitude as the road ahead is long and you will be challenged! We stand beside you as you work to build a future for ALL Native youth.
13810983Wednesday, Dec 17 at 8:38 PM Fred U-Tucson wrote ...
Wizi-a young strong warrior in the truest sense. walk with your Creator and know that we walk with you...and we will go to war with you! It is time to make visions and dreams reality. Brother, in the dark hours, know you have people in the Arizona desert-when I look at the star blanket I see you walking in a sunlit field of where I imagine the Black Hills to be, you are happy and things are well.........words cannot convey my pride and hope for you in your travels---be a good servant -F
13801783Wednesday, Dec 17 at 5:35 PM wendy carrillo wrote ...
First Americans is a bold step forward for our nation. Many of our communities are fighting poverty and are economically disenfranchised. Congratulations Wizi, you are not just representing your people, but young people overall. Our country is made of many tribes, some continue to go unrecognized, but we do what we can to continue our traditions and be active members of this society. We will be watching and wish you much success. Wendy Carrillo East Los Angeles
13794213Wednesday, Dec 17 at 5:29 PM Mesarose wrote ...
I will again give thanks to our Creator.
13793968Wednesday, Dec 17 at 5:04 PM Will wrote ...
Congrats Wizi! Keep it up
13792818Wednesday, Dec 17 at 1:12 PM TahWaCinWasteWi wrote ...
Lililililililililili! Congratulations, mitakuye!
13770463Wednesday, Dec 17 at 11:54 AM Steve Clark wrote ...
Looking forward to working with you on our SPIRIT Program, which will allow every Native American tribal member an opportunity to work with Prez Elect Obama's 2009 Stimulus Package. God Bless You! Steve Clark, Suquamish Tribe
13763353Wednesday, Dec 17 at 9:44 AM Vi Waln wrote ...
Wizi, once again you have made the Sicangu Lakota Oyate very proud !! I send you my love and prayers !!
13743474Tuesday, Dec 16 at 11:19 PM Kansan wrote ...
I hope this young person tries to help all tribes and members because most of the Tribal Councils only help those they are related to and can get away with it. In Washington a representative would be closely watched. Good luck to you!
13727849Tuesday, Dec 16 at 10:40 PM Jennifer Villalobos wrote ...
way to go! congrats :-) ~J
13726194Tuesday, Dec 16 at 10:38 PM Robert X. Betancourt Jr. wrote ...
How about community sailing. Tabel Top Tribe just got 1400 acres and a lake. Let us move forward and get our lost lands back.
13726134Tuesday, Dec 16 at 5:40 PM Melissa PLSI wrote ...
Congratulations Wizi!! There is no doubt in my mind that you will do a great job!
13712154Tuesday, Dec 16 at 3:30 PM Ezra Rosser wrote ...
Congratulations Wizi!
13703199Tuesday, Dec 16 at 2:57 PM Todacheenie wrote ...
Can't wait for the change. Can't wait to do my part.
13700929Tuesday, Dec 16 at 12:45 PM Watchdog2050 wrote ...
Weren’t South Dakota and North Dakota “Red States?” A true accomplishment would have been to turn those two red states, BLUE. Numerous Natives made the same commitment to the Obama campaign … Oh, my bad! They didn’t work for Daschle and therefore didn’t receive his recommendation. The payback for being “close buddies” with Daschle has its rewards, and reeks of cronyism and special interest. Just food for thought!
13691194Tuesday, Dec 16 at 1:06 AM Gregory I. Redhouse wrote ...
Impressive, a credit to his race.
13667139Monday, Dec 15 at 7:33 PM redebirds cousin wrote ...
wizi for president sure does at 82 ill be voteing for him
13655339Monday, Dec 15 at 7:09 PM Change? wrote ...
Is there a possibility that this could mean a change in the out look for Leonard Peltier.
13654254Monday, Dec 15 at 4:20 PM Sherry Red Owl wrote ...
I'm really proud of you, Wizi. Love you lotz. Your auntie, Sherry
13643774Monday, Dec 15 at 12:11 PM Dunesy White Northern Eagle A.I.M Red Lake Nation wrote ...
I am happy that president -elect Obama is staying true to his word and choosing native people to help native people !! May the wisdom of the elders be with you and guide you as you travel this new road into the future . The people will be watching you and your decisions will affect all of the indian nations . I wish you only the best "WIZI" .........
13626359Monday, Dec 15 at 12:07 PM By_Tha_MTN wrote ...
LULULULULU< congrats!!!
13626114Monday, Dec 15 at 11:02 AM JoJo wrote ...
We're off to see the Wiz!
13621854Monday, Dec 15 at 10:40 AM Kathe Walters Scott wrote ...
Wonderful news. Finally there is *some* recognition in Washington. Let's hope this continues.
13620474Monday, Dec 15 at 10:00 AM first son wrote ...
First Americans public liaison, Native American heisman trophy winner, thank you yes we are here!
13618029Monday, Dec 15 at 8:01 AM Chellise Scranton wrote ...
Congratulations!
13612904Sunday, Dec 14 at 8:06 PM ANAAY wrote ...
Wizi! Huge congratulations from everyone in the Native American community at Yale!
13599749Sunday, Dec 14 at 2:40 PM urban ndn wrote ...
I was raised an urban indian but i went back to the rez because i was told that "your" tribe will help you,that was a laugh.In order to receive assisstance the person has to be a relative or a know the council.The housing program employees/staff all and their families all have GooD and weatherizef homes while the oters ans especially the ELDERS had worn out homes.The housing wouldn't even help the elders put plastic up for the winter and NO coolers for the summer.That is how they treat members
13587509Sunday, Dec 14 at 2:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...
As an older person in this country, let's hope we all will have the ability to have objectivity to support all cultures in an objective position as possible. I think that is when one truly finds their "best and shining" moments, and America will be better for it.....Also, congratulations to all the people behind this young man.
13587184Sunday, Dec 14 at 11:56 AM Wisewoman wrote ...
I'm really impressed. This is such a huge step in a direction we should have been taking generations ago. I send Wizipan Garriott blessings and support.
13582244Sunday, Dec 14 at 8:13 AM Debbie Reese wrote ...
Outstanding! My daughter, now a soph at Yale, met Garriott at a Native students/alum gathering there recently. This appointment is terrific.
13576244Friday, Dec 12 at 1:47 PM david/lenape visions - PA wrote ...
congratulations to cousin, I hope he has and maintains the respect of/for his people.
13521523Friday, Dec 12 at 1:47 PM Left Coast Native wrote ...
Wizi for President? It has a nice ring to it.
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