By: Jared King | The Navajo Post | May 17

Washington, D.C. —On May 16, the Udall Foundation announced that Clara Pratte, executive director, Navajo Nation Washington Office, was awarded the first ever Terrence L. Bracy Distinguished Alumnus Award for excellence in conflict resolution, environmental work, tribal health care, and tribal public policy.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award. I commend all the other nominees for their contributions to public policy in improving communities throughout the country,” Pratte said.

Pratte is an alumnus of the Udall Foundation’s Native American Congressional Internship Program.

“Clara Pratte has consistently demonstrated her strong commitment to public service and her community, and her leadership of the Washington Office reflects both her personal commitment and the fulfillment of the goal set by the Nation long ago,” stated Eric Eberhard, chair of the Udall Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “She works tirelessly to better the lives of Native Americans through economic development and tribal sovereignty. The Udall Foundation is proud to have Clara as one of its alumni,” Eberhard added.

Pratte will speak at the Native American Congressional Intern Reception July 18, in Washington, DC. Through 2012, 198 American Indians or Alaska Natives will have participated in the prestigious internship program. Forty are from the Navajo Nation.

In January 2012, the Navajo Nation Council unanimously confirmed President Ben Shelly’s appointment of Clara Pratte to serve as executive director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office. She was the former National Director of the Office of Native American Affairs of the U.S. Small Business Administration.