fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden appointed Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Nez to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts in recognition of her advocacy for tribal communities. 

The Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts is composed of government officials and individuals appointed directly by the President of the United States, who provide guidance and direction to assist the Kennedy Center in fulfilling its mission and vision. The Kennedy Center hosts more than 2,000 performances each year of diverse arts and is the home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. 

“On behalf of the Navajo people, I congratulate my wife, First Lady Nez, on her historic appointment to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for recognizing the work of the First Lady and, most importantly, for having a seat at the table for tribal nations in the performing arts. With the First Lady’s experience and passion for Navajo arts, education, and language, we are optimistic that she will work with other board members to benefit and highlight our tribal people and communities. Congratulations to her on this milestone achievement,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

As a Board of Trustee, First Lady Nez will help achieve the Kennedy’s Center mission to serve as a suitable memorial in honor of the later U.S. President John F. Kennedy, ensure the Kennedy Center presents world-class performing acts from across the globe, maintain the Center’s role as a leader in national performing arts education policy and programs, and ensure accessibility that performing arts are accessible to all Americans, including tribal citizens. 

“I am humbled to join the mission of the Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center. The arts, education, and museums are essential to the well-being and health of all communities. The arts reflect our livelihoods, creativity, innovation, and self-identity as the First People of this country,” First Lady Nez said.

More Stories Like This

"Reservation Dogs" Ties for Best TV Show of the Year by TIME Magazine
Here's What's Going in Indian Country, December 9 —14
Tribal Museums Day Livestream Take Viewers Across Indian Country
"Killers of the Flower Moon" Named to TIME's 10 Best Movies of 2023 List
Here's What's Going in Indian Country, November 30 —December 7

Together, we can educate, enlighten, and empower.

November is celebrated as “Native American Heritage Month.” At Native News Online, we amplify Native voices and share our relatives’ unique perspectives every day of the year. We believe every month should celebrate Native American heritage. 
If you appreciate our commitment to Native voices and our mission to tell stories that connect us to our roots and inspire understanding and respect, we hope you will consider making a donation this month to support our work. For those who commit to a recurring donation of $12 per month or more, or make a one-time donation of $150 or greater, we're excited to offer you a copy of our upcoming Indian Boarding School publication and access to our quarterly Founder’s Circle meetings and newsletter.  
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].