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The Jefferson Exchange

Coquille Tribal Chief Jason Younker settles into new role

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Dr. Jason Younker

Jason Younker was already a busy guy, and now he's Chief of the Coquille Tribe.

Dr. Younker is an associate professor of cultural anthropology at the University of Oregon, plus an assistant vice president and assistant to the president for tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relations.

He was elected Coquille Chief in October to take the place of the previous Chief Don Ivy, who died in July.

We talk about the role of the Tribal Chief as voice of the tribe, and leader in cultural and spiritual matters, in his visit to the JX. We also ask about how he juggles all his jobs, which include chairing the board at the Chemawa Indian School.

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The Jefferson Exchange is Jefferson Public Radio's daily news program focused on issues, people and events across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Angela Decker is the program's senior producer, Charlie Zimmermann is the assistant producer, and Geoffrey Riley hosts the show.