Delana Ayers
Norman,OK
Summary
Dynamic Tribal, State, and Federal Policy Advocate with over a decade of experience in advancing Native education, tribal governance, and policy advocacy. Expertise in coalition building, policy material development, and stakeholder engagement across tribal, state, and federal initiatives. Proven success in translating complex legal frameworks into actionable strategies while fostering collaborative relationships that drive outcomes aligned with sovereignty and self-determination. Committed to the core values of integrity, respect, community, and service as a tribal advocate.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer Policy Advocate
Indian Parent Committee, Little Axe Public Schools
Cleveland, OK
01.2023 - Current
- Developed policy briefs, recommendations, and formal correspondence for tribal leadership and school administrators regarding federal education law and compliance
- Provided technical assistance on Impact Aid and Title VI requirements, supporting tribal consultation and local education agency accountability
- Tracked policy developments affecting Native education programs and translated findings into advocacy strategies
Alternate, Election Commission
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Shawnee, OK
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Conducted constitutional research and legal analysis to develop three proposed tribal amendments addressing election procedures, governmental continuity, and tribal sovereignty
- Drafted comprehensive briefing materials covering legal background, constitutional interpretation, implementation procedures, and community education strategies for each amendment
- Prepared official meeting minutes and policy documentation for tribal leadership proceedings
Executive Legal Secretary
Hobbs Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
Oklahoma City, OK
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Provided comprehensive legal and administrative support to six attorneys specializing in tribal law, federal compliance, and governance at one of the nation’s premier tribal law firms
- Drafted legal memoranda, policy summaries, and briefing materials supporting federal Indian law and tribal governance matters
- Coordinated litigation and regulatory deadlines, flagged time-sensitive policy and compliance matters, and managed active dockets across multiple tribal client files
Higher Education Academic & Career Advisor
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Hollywood, FL
01.2020 - 07.2023
- Prepared quarterly performance reports aligned with federal grant objectives, outcomes, and compliance requirements for tribal higher education programs
- Provided academic advising and career planning services to tribal members, maintaining detailed tracking systems and student records supporting grant reporting
- Built and sustained relationships between tribal members, educational institutions, and federal program administrators
Native American Advisor
Native American Student Services, Oklahoma City Public Schools
Oklahoma City, OK
03.2013 - 12.2019
- Served as primary liaison between school districts, tribal governments, and families — coordinating policy compliance and federal program requirements across multiple tribal nations
- Designed and evaluated culturally responsive programs serving Native American students; documented outcomes for federal grant reporting
- Built and maintained sustained relationships with tribal leadership, educators, and community stakeholders across Oklahoma’s diverse tribal nations
Education
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) - Indigenous Peoples Law
University of Oklahoma College of Law
Norman, OKParalegal Certificate - undefined
Oklahoma State University (CLS by BARBRI)
Stillwater, OK06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Cross-Cultural Ministry
Oklahoma Baptist University
Shawnee, OK01.2010
Skills
- Tribal & State Policy Advocacy
- Native Education Policy & Compliance (ESSA Title VI, Impact Aid)
- Legal Research & Writing
- Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building
- Policy Analysis & Brief Development
- Advocacy Materials & Testimony
- Program Coordination
- Federal, State, and Tribal Relations
- Budget Tracking & Reporting
- Relationship-Building with Native Communities and Organizations
Certification
- Paralegal Certificate, Oklahoma State University CLS by Barbri - 2023
TRIBAL SERVICE & LEADERSHIP
- Secretary, Indian Parent Committee, Little Axe Public Schools (2023–Present)
- Alternate, Election Commission — Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma (2025)
- Secretary, Thunderbird Entertainment Casino Board — Absentee Shawnee Tribe (2019–2023)
- Chairwoman, Native American Baptist Youth and Young Adult Conference (2003-2006)
- President, Absentee Shawnee Tribal United National Indian Tribal Youth Council (1995-1996)
Projects
Legacy Memorial Museum Initiative, Project Lead (2023–Present)
• Formed and chaired a planning committee for a proposed tribal museum focused on history, language, genealogy, and arts preservation.
• Led consultations with museum planners, tribal leadership, and cultural departments; conducted federal grant research and trust land evaluation.
• Authored a strategy memorandum addressing revised NAGPRA regulations, funding, site options, and project strategy.
• Currently transitioning the project to a legacy memorial museum in Little Axe, grounded in genealogical and ancestral land research.
Quote
"True sovereignty is not the freedom to harm our own people; it is the sacred responsibility to protect them."
Delana Deere