Jenifer Gover-Littlesun, Council Seat #4

Jenifer Gover LittleSun, Capat Risaru (Woman Chief), is Skidi/Pawnee and belongs to the Pumpkin Vine Clan, through which she descends from the Crow Clan. She serves as Councilwoman for Seat #4 on the Pawnee Business Council, bringing more than 20 years of executive experience across tribal, federal, nonprofit, corporate, and municipal sectors. Her leadership reflects a culturally grounded, values-driven approach to governance.

She previously served as Executive Director of the Pawnee Nation, overseeing strategic operations and citizen-focused service reform. Her federal service includes work with the U.S. Department of the Interior under the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, supporting the Chief of Staff on tribal engagement and policy coordination. She also contributed to Native storytelling through the National Geographic All Roads Film Festival, uplifting Indigenous voices and perspectives.

Her legislative advocacy with the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board helped strengthen tribal public health systems, expand tribal public health education and awareness, and advance intergovernmental policies addressing health equity.

Jenifer serves on the Board of Trustees for Pawnee Nation College and contributes to national boards focused on Native empowerment and trauma-informed governance. She lives in Pawnee with her husband and daughters and remains committed to cultivating inclusive systems that honor tradition, foster community resilience, and prepare future generations for leadership.