The Sycuan Tribal Council in San Diego, California, on Thursday appointed Kele Bigknife as the tribe’s General Counsel.
Bigknife, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, has served previously as Associate General Counsel and interim General Counsel for Sycuan.
Bigknife will oversee legal affairs for the tribe and its economic and land development affairs, including Sycuan Casino Resort, gaming commission and human resources.
“The Sycuan Tribe is extremely proud to have Kele Bigknife as our next General Counsel,” said Sycaun Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez said in a statement. “Kele has served Sycuan admirably for nearly three years. He is a strong defender of tribal sovereignty, always protecting the interests of Sycuan. He has quickly acclimated himself well within the Sycuan family.”
Bigknife will serve as in-house legal counsel for the tribe and its affiliated business entities, and any related developments or projects. He also will manage outside retained specialized legal services on an as-needed basis.
“I’m looking forward to representing Sycuan through this new opportunity and building upon both its tremendous accomplishments and well-earned positive reputation,” Bigknife said. “The Tribe has been a model in responsible tribal governance, infrastructure and economic development, and tribal government gaming, and I can’t wait to continue to assist in this new capacity.”
