Kirkpatrick Endorsed by Top Leaders of Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache and White Mountain Apache Tribes

Prescott, AZ - Former prosecutor and state legislator Ann Kirkpatrick, candidate to represent Arizona's 1st Congressional District, today announced that her campaign has received the endorsements of Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, San Carlos Apache Chairman Wendsler Nosie, and White Mountain Apache Chairman Ronnie Lupe. Long an advocate of tribal issues, Kirkpatrick was born and raised on the White Mountain Apache Nation and represented all of the Navajo Nation in the state of Arizona as a state legislator.

The tribal leaders pointed to Kirkpatrick's extensive leadership and experience that will make her an effective leader for tribal and non-tribal communities.

"As President of the Navajo Nation, I am very proud to endorse our former representative in the state legislature, Ann Kirkpatrick, for Congress," said President Joe Shirley of the Navajo Nation. "Ann has always remained committed to the issues important to native communities and will be a strong voice for change in Washington. I look forward to working closely with her in Congress to bring back the resources to address our critical health, education, and infrastructure needs."

"The San Carlos Apache Tribal Council and I, as Chairman, endorse Ann Kirkpatrick for her knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of rural areas and their unique interests," said Chairman Wendsler Nosie of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. "We wholeheartedly believe she will be an effective asset when elected to the United States House of Representatives."

"Ann Kirkpatrick has the understanding and capability to represent the White Mountain Apache Tribe effectively in Washington," said Chairman Ronnie Lupe of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. "Growing up in the White Mountains, Ann has firsthand knowledge about the important issues affecting the district's tribal communities and will be a strong advocate in Congress. I look forward to working with Ann to build our relationship with the federal government in order to deliver the resources to create good paying jobs, and improve health and education services."

"I am very pleased to receive the endorsements of President Shirley, Chairman Nosie, and Chairman Lupe," said former state representative Ann Kirkpatrick. "Throughout my career, I have been committed to delivering for our Native American communities and defending tribal sovereignty. In Congress, I will bring back federal dollars to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, improve our schools, and provide health care for everyone on tribal lands."

"Far too many are without basic necessities like running water and electricity," continued Kirkpatrick. "We need the kind of leadership in Washington that can tell the story of the day-to-day struggles of our native communities and mobilize Congress into action."

Kirkpatrick's bid for Congress has already received tremendous support from CD-1 tribal communities, including the endorsement of former Navajo Nation President Dr. Peterson Zah, the Western Navajo Agency Council, former Executive Director of the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs Ron Lee, Apache County School Superintendent Dr. Pauline Begay, Navajo County Supervisor Percy Deal, Navajo County Supervisor Jess Thompson, Apache County Supervisor Tom White, and former State Senator Jack Jackson, Sr. Kirkpatrick has also received the endorsement of delegates from the Fort Defiance, Chinle, Dilcon, Teetso, Chilchinbeto, Kayenta, Ganado, Kinlichee, La Chee, Many Farms, and Round Rock chapters.

While serving in the state legislature, Kirkpatrick had a proven track record of support for native communities, which included working to expand telecommunications and infrastructure throughout tribal lands. In addition, she sponsored legislation to establish a division of Indian Education in the Department of Education, to increase funding for Navajo veterans' housing, and to increase funding for diabetes prevention.

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Former State Representative Ann Kirkpatrick is a former legislator, county prosecutor, small business owner, mother, and a community leader who served as President of the Northern Arizona United Way. Born in McNary, Kirkpatrick is a native of rural Arizona and has lived and worked in the 1st Congressional District all her life.

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