The Coquille Indian Tribe has sworn in a new chief after former Chief Don Ivy passed away in July. Chief Jason Younker was sworn in on October 29th. Younker is a University of Oregon faculty member who grew up on the Shores of Coos Bay’s South Slough. He holds three graduate degrees including a doctorate in cultural anthropology. He is also an Associate Professor of Anthropology as well as Assistant Vice President and assistant to the president for tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relations. Jackie Chambers, a lifelong Coos County resident, was sworn in as Secretary-Treasurer. Chambers previously managed the tribe’s community grants programs. Chairman Brenda Meade and Representative Laurabeth Barton retained their seats on the council and were also sworn in for new terms.
