Tommy Jones Runs for Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Tribal Council

In February 2015, Tommy Jones, Carson-Haury Scholar and UA doctoral student, announced that he was running for Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Tribal Council At-Large. Mr. Jones states “The Cherokee Nation has a 17 member Council with two of those seats being At-Large. Tribal Council is the legislative branch of the Cherokee government. The Council position is not full-time and I am able to stay here in Tucson and complete my PhD if elected. This is an exciting and first election for me.“

Election day was June 27, 2015, and while Mr. Jones did not win the election, the experience was invaluable.

Mr. Jones has been busy on other work as well. He developed the Native Opportunities website to raise awareness of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian student of opportunities for higher education and professional development resources that are available to them. Last December he presented his dissertation work and the work he has done for the Department of Energy's Tribal Energy Program to the Secretary of the Department of Energy, Ernest Moniz.

Finally, Tommy Jones was one of the Carson-Haury Scholars who presented short talks at a Carson-Haury Scholars event in April 2015.

Tommy Jones received the Carson-Haury scholarship to support his dissertation research regarding renewable energy development and greater self-sufficiency on Tribal lands. His research as a doctoral student in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment analyzes the barriers that Native Nations have to achieving renewable energy, the role that Nation Building theory has with renewable energy development, and the education and technical requirements for Native Nations to realize renewable energy for their communities. He hopes to address the energy poverty that many Native communities have despite having great energy potential.