Keller George left lasting impact on Indian Country

JoVonne Wagner
ICT

Former Oneida Indian Nation tribal leader and Wolf Clan representative of the Men’s Council, Keller George, died at the age of 85 on June 25, 2023.

Most known for his work as a delegate and leader for the Oneida Indian Nation in Central New York, George also held the honorary position of president emeritus for the United South and Eastern Tribes Inc, also known as USET.

“Keller’s leadership and guidance was instrumental in setting the foundation for USET/USET SPF and the organization we are today. While Indian Country has lost a true champion, we are so grateful for the decades of leadership and dedication he provided to our USET family and Indian Country overall,” stated current USET/USET SPF President Kirk Francis in a released message.

Composed of 33 tribal nations, USET aims to unite tribes to develop and enhance the capabilities of tribal governments to effectively deal with public policy issues that involve American Indians, where George worked from 1994 to 2006, with six consecutive terms as the program’s president.

In 2008, members of USET officially passed the resolution to bestow the honorary title onto George, due to his dedication to serving Indian Country.

“Keller George’s tireless work and dedication during his 12 years as President helped USET to achieve national influence and stature,” a USET resolution stated, “and led USET with grace, honor and integrity, serving as a role model to many future generations of Indian Leaders.”

The Oneida Indian Nation released a statement on George’s passing, sharing that he played a central role in the policy aspects of tribal government and the successful business enterprises of the Oneida Indian Nation.

George wore many hats throughout his professional career, focusing on Indigenous business management. He was previously the chairman for the Oneida Nations Gaming Commission that oversaw gaming and licensing operations as well as sitting on the board of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Moreso, George had been intensely involved with American Indian policy and lawmaking. As a delegate for the National Congress of American Indians, as well with his role at USET, he testified multiple times before Congress as well as leading meetings with federal policymakers that concerned issues within Indian Country.

George also helped ensure that Indigenous programs, like USET, had a place at the table when discussing legislative and non-legislative topics significant to American Indian communities.

With his history in working with both tribal governments and the federal government, George also earned a certificate from Harvard university in 2001 from the school’s Seniors Managers in Government program.

His services to Indian Country and to the nation first began when George enlisted in the military services and U.S Air Force where he would go on to serve 22 years. He fought in the Korean War. He retired in 1974 as the Chief Master’s Sergeant.

According to a speech George gave in 1996 on his services to the United States, he credits his family for his motivation on enlisting, saying he followed the footsteps of his father and uncle and mentioned his own sons’ services as well. He also spoke on his perspective as both a tribal citizen and an U.S veteran.

“I never drew a distinction between the United States and the Oneida Indian Nation. I went to Korea to defend the United States, that’s true. But I also defended the lands here – our Oneida lands,” George said at the time. “My ancestors fought with the colonists, and pledged, in the words of our legendary Oneida leaders, ‘to share the fruits of victory or be buried in a common grave.’ That is the obligation my ancestors ade and I will honor it.”

During the 1998 Native American Heritage Month observance in Washington, D.C., George delivered the keynote address, commenting on the history of western, colonial settlers’ heritage contrasting it with Indigenous legacies and ideas of the sacred nature of the land and the commitment to political independence.

“The passion in which we guard our lands is only equalled by our commitment to political independence and sovereignty,” said George. “And to understand the origins to that commitment, one needs to look no further than to the history of our people, the people of the Oneida Indian Nation.” 

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