Katosha Nakai Named CNO Sovereignty Attorney

Executive Director of Legal, Sean Bradley has announced that Katosha Nakai, a proud Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal member, has been named CNO Sovereignty Attorney. This Director-level role will serve as a key legal advisor on matters related to tribal sovereignty, Federal Indian Law, and intergovernmental relations and will work closely with tribal leadership, departments, and external partners to protect and advance the Choctaw Nation’s sovereign rights and interests.

“I’m pleased to welcome Katosha to our Legal team,” Sean says. “Katosha brings a deep understanding of Native American Law to the Choctaw Nation, having served as General Counsel to Indian tribes and multiple tribal districts in her previous role at an Arizona-based law firm. She’s a seasoned and highly successful attorney with legal expertise in gaming, regulatory and governmental affairs, and environmental natural resources, who grew up in Oklahoma and now looks forward to serving her tribe in this vital role that has a razor-sharp focus on the sovereignty of the Choctaw Nation.”

Prior to joining the Choctaw Nation, Katosha managed the Phoenix, Arizona, operations of an Indian Law firm where she worked as a partner and attorney for Strickland and Strickland for the past six years. Before that, she worked for eight years as stakeholder relations and strategic development manager for the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, whose clients included Indian tribes. In addition, Katosha spent two years as policy advisor to Arizona’s Governor, has served as Public Relations Director for the American Indian College Fund, and has worked in television news as a reporter and producer.

Katosha earned her Juris Doctorate and her Indian Law Certificate from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Oklahoma City University.

When she’s not working, Katosha enjoys spending time with her family and her two rescue dogs, binge watching streaming television, supporting local restaurants (she thinks herself a foodie), and cooking. Her two daughters, who are both away at college, are her greatest joy and visiting them in Tennessee and California is her favorite adventure.

Adds Sean, “We look forward to the outstanding legal expertise Katosha will provide CNO in her role as Sovereignty Attorney. Please join me in welcoming this Choctaw tribal member ‘home’ to the Choctaw Nation.”