Lumbee Warriors Ceremony Honors Chickasaw Nation Former Lt. Governor Jefferson E. Keel
- Mar 3
- 1 min read
On Monday, the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. honored former Lt. Governor Jefferson E. Keel of the Chickasaw Nation during a Lumbee Warrior Pinning ceremony for his friendship to the Lumbee People. Larry Townsend, former Lumbee Tribal Council member and former Southeast Area VP for the National Congress of American Indian (NCAI), became friends with Mr. Keel in 2001 and served with him at NCAI. Mr. Keel supported amendments to ensure the Lumbee continued as a voting member of NCAI and had a voice. As Tribal Chairman Lowery presented Keel with a shadowbox with an Eagle feather and Lumbee Warriors Pin, Larry Townsend explained the symbolism of the Lumbee Warriors Pin and talked about Mr. Keel's journey as a warrior himself.
Mr. Keel is an Army Veteran and is originally from Tishomingo, Oklahoma. He served a total of 22 years in the Army. Among his many military awards, Mr. Keel earned two Bronze Stars with Valor, two Purple Hearts, two Meritorious Service Medals and an Air Medal. After his military service, Mr. Jefferson returned to Oklahoma to serve his Indian people. He was Lieutenant Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, serving in this position for 20 years. He then served as President of the National Congress of American Indians for six years. Mr. Keel also was the co-chairman of the advisory committee to the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Chickasaw Warrior's Society.
