City of Portland Welcomes Gerald D. Skelton Jr. as Tribal Government Relations Manager

The City of Portland announces the appointment of Gerald D. Skelton Jr. as the City's tribal government relations manager. Skelton brings extensive experience working with Tribal governments at the local, state, national and international levels, with a career dedicated to honoring treaty rights, cultural heritage and Tribal self-governance.

In his role, Skelton will lead the City's government-to-government engagement with federally recognized sovereign Tribal Nations. His work includes supporting City leadership and elected officials, facilitating coordination across City bureaus and developing mutual agreements that guide City policies, programs and decision-making affecting Tribal communities.

Skelton is a member of the Klamath Tribes. He previously served as director of the Klamath Tribes Culture and Heritage Department, where he helped protect Tribal cultural resources and played a key role in advancing salmon restoration on the Klamath River, including international advocacy in Edinburgh and London. He is proud to have contributed to the dam removals that restored salmon passage to ancestral waters.

Throughout his career, Skelton has led public education and engagement efforts, facilitating workshops on Native American history, traditions and Tribal sovereignty for government agencies, cultural institutions and community partners. His work has helped build broader understanding and respect for Indigenous communities and their rights.

"Gerald brings deep knowledge, lived experience and a passion for collaboration to this critical work," said Government Relations Director Sam Chase. "His leadership will produce outcomes that benefit Tribal Nations and Portland residents alike."

The tribal government relations manager will work closely with City leadership, elected officials, intergovernmental partners and city staff to coordinate, collaborate and consult with Tribal Nations on environmental, social and economic issues of mutual interest.

"Building strong, respectful relationships with Tribal Nations is essential to the work ahead," Skelton said. "I'm honored to step into this role and build on the City's commitment to equity, inclusion and government-to-government collaboration with Indigenous nations."

Skelton holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Southern Oregon University, with graduate coursework in public administration, international political economy and history.

He officially began his role as tribal government relations manager this week.