Jenifer Gover-Littlesun, Council Seat #4

Pawnee Business Councilwoman Jenifer Gover-Littlesun

Committees:

Governing Documents Committee, Chair

Communications Committee, Member

Pawnee Community Chamber of Commerce, Director

Contact Information:

Email - jglittlesun@pawneenation.org 

Jenifer Gover LittleSun, Capat Risaru (Woman Chief), is Skidi/Pawnee from the Pumpkin Vine Clan, descending from the Crow Clan. She serves as Councilwoman for Seat #4 on the Pawnee Business Council and is currently employed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, serving with the Executive Team as the Legislative Liaison. With more than 20 years of leadership across tribal, federal, nonprofit, and civic sectors, she is known for her culturally grounded, values-driven approach to governance and her commitment to ethical service.
Jenifer brings together policy expertise, advocacy, and collaboration across governments. She has helped advance legislative priorities in public health, behavioral health, and emergency response by working closely with state and federal agencies and tribal nations. As Executive Director of the Pawnee Nation, she oversaw 36 programs and services supporting the full range of tribal government functions. She also partnered with Pawnee Nation College and the Falmouth Institute to develop two first-of-their-kind 12-month training programs: the Tribal Leader Professional Development Certification, which established a standard level of executive leadership and ethical governance, and the Tribal Management Associate Program, which equipped Pawnee Nation managers and supervisors with culturally grounded standards for ethical service to the Pawnee people. Due to their success, surrounding tribal nations have since enrolled their own directors, managers, and supervisors in these programs to strengthen leadership and accountability across Indian Country.
She lives in Pawnee with her husband, David LittleSun, who is from the Kitkahaki band. Together they have six children and five grandchildren, who continue to inspire her commitment to service, cultural preservation, and the future of the Pawnee people.