Kalyn Free
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Kalyn Free is an American attorney, former elected district attorney, and a tribal citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Free represents Oklahoma as the National Committeeperson on the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
Early legal and political career
[edit]Free was born in Red Oak, Oklahoma.[1] Free is a graduate of Red Oak High School, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma College of Law.[1] After she graduated from law school, she began her legal career with the United States Department of Justice.[2] At the time of her employment, she was the youngest attorney ever hired by the Department of Justice.[3][4] There, Free prosecuted federal environmental laws across the country with a special emphasis on tribal lands and became the first Native American to serve as a supervising attorney in the department.[5][6]
In 1998, she ran for and became the first woman and the first Native American ever to be elected District Attorney in the counties of Pittsburg and Haskell in Oklahoma. During her administration, she focused her efforts on fighting for women, children, and crime victims' rights.[3][4] In 2004, she was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the open House seat in the 2nd Congressional District, with the support of Emily's List, the Sierra Club, and 21st Century Democrats.[4] She lost the nomination to the eventual general election winner, Congressman Dan Boren.[7]
Recent work
[edit]In 2005, Free established a political action committee devoted to electing Native American progressive candidates at the local and state level, INDN's List (Indigenous Native Democratic Network).[8] In 2008, she endorsed Barack Obama's candidacy and served as a superdelegate.[9] Free funded INDN's List out of pocket before its closure in 2010.[10]
Throughout 2011 Free worked as the attorney and senior adviser of Bill John Baker's campaign for Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation against the incumbent Chief, Chad "Corn-tassel" Smith.[11] Free again served as senior advisor on Baker's successful re-election in June 2015 and Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.s successful election in June 2019 and re-election in June 2023. Currently, Free represents Hoskin as his Special Counsel.[12]
Free is the author of "Why? Rising to the Challenge" in Voices of the Heartland where she describes her career and struggles as a Native American.
Personal life
[edit]Free has been married to Steve Bruner since 2009.[13]
Free has an interest in Japan and has represented the United States on trips to Japan sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Kalyn Free, Steve Bruner wed in Tulsa ceremony". McAlester News-Capital. Retrieved May 20, 2017.
- ^ Tebo, Margaret Graham (March 2000). Collecting Good Advice: Minority women lawyers speak as mentors in new book. American Bar Association.
- ^ a b c Beam, Sara; Dial-Driver, Emily; Askew, Rilla; Evusa, Juliet (August 22, 2019). Voices from the Heartland: Volume II. University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 978-0-8061-6580-6.
- ^ a b c Indian Gaming. Public Gaming Research Institute. 2004.
- ^ United States Attorneys Bulletin. Executive Office for United States Attorneys. 1995.
- ^ Zombory, Chris (November 2000). Heaping on the Honors: ABA awards recognize contributions to justice system. American Bar Association.
- ^ "The New Members of the House". Roll Call. November 5, 2004. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ Shelden, Darla (August 22, 2019). "Oklahoma Democratic Party elects Kalyn Free as new National Committeewoman". Oklahoma City Sentinel. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Dems woo Native American vote. Politico. Published 5/29/08.
- ^ admin. "Bad News for Indian Country: INDN's List Closes | Native American Netroots". Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Writer, TEDDYE SNELLStaff (August 10, 2011). "Commission warns about Cherokee campaign donations". Tahlequah Daily Press. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ Brian Daffron (October 27, 2012). "Post-INDN's List, Kalyn Free Continues to Shape Native Election Process - Indian Country Media Network". Indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Kalyn Free, Steve Bruner wed in Tulsa ceremony". McAlester News-Capital. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
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