A Utah attorney with deep professional and personal ties to the Navajo Nation is now the chief of staff to Larry EchoHawk, the assistant Interior secretary of Indian affairs.

Paul Tsosie began working for EchoHawk in mid-June. EchoHawk was a Brigham Young University law professor before accepting the high-ranking job within the Interior Department. Tsosie is a BYU law graduate and former president of the Native American Law Student Association.

Upon his graduation in 2002, Tsosie, a member of the Navajo Nation of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, started his own law firm, Tsosie & Hatch, to focus on Indian law. It is headquartered in West Jordan. He also has worked as a lobbyist for the Navajo Nation and a paralegal teacher at the Utah Career College.

EchoHawk announced Tsosie's hiring this week, along with Wizipan Garriott, who will serve as his policy adviser, and Tracie Stevens, who will be a senior adviser.

"The knowledge, experience and abilities they bring to Indian affairs," EchoHawk said in a statement, "will ensure that we can meet our priorities to protect Indian Country, advance Indian education and empower tribal communities.

Matt Canham