OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 1997

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/208-6416

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt today praised President Clinton’s decision to nominate Kevin Gover as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

“Earlier this year, I was speaking to some tribal leaders in the Northwest and told them that this position is one of the toughest in the Department of the Interior,” Secretary Babbitt said. “I told them it would take someone with the wisdom of a Thomas Jefferson, the consensus-building skills of a George Washington, and the ability to understand both the complex workings of Congress and this Department’s relationship with Tribal governments. Kevin Gover has his work cut out for him, but I’m convinced he’s just the right person for the job.”

Gover is a member of the Pawnee Tribe and a native of Lawton, Oklahoma. He attended Princeton University, receiving his BA in public and international affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Government. He received a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Following law school, he served as law clerk to the late U.S. District Judge Juan G. Burciaga of Albuquerque. From 1983 until 1986, Gover specialized in environmental and natural resource law, as well as federal Indian law, in the Washington, DC, law firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobsen.

In 1986, Gover formed his own law firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Cate Stetson and Susan Williams. That firm, now Gover, Williams & Janov, specializes in federal Indian, natural resource, environmental and housing law, with an extensive legislative practice. He also serves on several boards, including the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Kevin on several occasions during the course of this Administration, and hold him in high regard,” Babbitt continued. “I’m eager to see his confirmation move forward as speedily as possible, because I know that he will be a valuable member of my leadership team.”

Kevin Gover has two children and currently resides in Corrales, New Mexico.

-DOI-