photo submitted by White House
President Obama appointed Jodi Gillette, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, to the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in February 2009. A few months later the President renamed the Office of Public Liaison as the Office of Public Engagement (OPE) and included Gillette in their outreach as well. OPE, along with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, serves as the front door to the White House through which ordinary Americans and governmental officials can participate and inform the work of the President.
Coming from more than a decade of leading the Native American Training Institute in Bismarck and leading the North Dakota Obama Campaign for Change, Gillette is up for the challenge.
IW What do you like best about your job?
JAG I like meeting with and hearing from the 565 distinct federally recognized tribal nations from across the United States. I think we have a wonderful team here at the White House, and it is an honor to work them.
IW What challenges do you face on a day-to-day basis?
JAG The main challenge that I face on a regular basis is balancing my work and home life. This job is a great responsibility, and I value each day I am here. It is possible to balance, but I really don’t have time for all of the activities like playing basketball or dancing at pow wows. I miss them, but my family and role at the White House are the priority right now.
IW How has your background/upbringing prepared you for what you are doing now?
JAG The President has assembled a great team. Being raised on the reservation gives me a unique perspective that allows the dialogue with tribal leaders to begin with solutions, even as we discuss our different historical backgrounds. Since many of the Native political appointees are coming into their positions with experience in tribal government and Indian communities, education is also occurring within the federal government itself. However, being raised on the reservation does not make me an expert on all Indian issues or situations. I realize every time I have a meeting with a tribe, it is important to recognize the similarities among tribes, and also their distinct differences. I am awestruck by the strength and resiliency of Indian people, and I learn something new with each encounter.
IW As a liaison for the nations’ tribes, what are the top concerns you are hearing?
JAG I hear about tribal consultation, Native American health disparities, public safety, economic development, and education for American Indian communities.
IW What are some of the goals you hope to achieve in your position(s)?
JAG I want to ensure that the voices of Native Americans are heard in this Administration, and working with them to address their concerns is a core principal of our Administration.
IW Do you have advice for young women who have an interest in following in your footsteps?
JAG I would recommend that young women work very hard at everything they choose to do. Life is full of challenges, and we never know what we are preparing to do later in life. My parents raised our whole family to serve our people to make a better future for our grandchildren. This value continues to be my motivation because it is so consistent with how President Obama and our team view our responsibilities here at the White House.
IW You have three young children. Was it a difficult decision to pick up and move across the country?
JAG I had the full support of my husband, Rusty Gillette, when I accepted the job. We decided together, knowing very well the challenges of relocation and the demands of this position. He and my children encourage and support me every day, so I would say, yes it was difficult, but we are all growing from the experience.
IW What is your favorite thing to do with your family in Washington?
JAGMy favorite thing to do in Washington, DC is to hike with my children on the beautiful trails found in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. We also enjoy going to various Smithsonian Museums here, and driving up to New York City for an occasional adventure.