Tribal Advisor

Samuel N. Penney is former chairman and member of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee (NPTEC).  Penney was first elected to the NPTEC in May 1989 and served through May 2010. Penney served 13 years as chairman of NPTEC and four years as vice-chairman.  He has also served as chairman of the Law and Order/Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee and held numerous assignments during his years on NPTEC.

Penney has served on the Native American Advisory Boards to the Presidents of Washington State University, University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College. He also served on the Gonzaga Law School Native American Advisory Board and attended the Annual Tribal Leadership Summit hosted by the University of Washington.

Penney has provided testimony before Congress and worked with members of Congress in advocating on behalf of the Nez Perce Tribe regarding federal authorizations/appropriations and the protection of Nez Perce treaty rights.

Penney has also worked and advocated for the Nez Perce Tribe on issues at the state level.  This work includes providing testimony before the Idaho State Legislature, serving as a representative on the Idaho Council on Indian Affairs, meetings with the Governor of Idaho as well as working with the states of Oregon, Washington and Montana on a government-to-government basis.

Penney is 56 years old and a lifelong resident of Kamiah, Idaho.