Former Seminole City Council Member and current General Council Representative for the Seminole Nation, Stephaney Lambert, announces her intent to file for Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation.

Lambert has over 20 years of experience with tribal programs and 12 years of tribal leadership as band chief and council representative for the Mekusukey Band. When combined with community experience from serving on the Seminole City Council from 2017-2020 and working at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce in the early 2000’s, Lambert aims to prove she has the governmental knowledge and social skills to move Seminole Nation in a positive direction in a post McGirt state.

“In the next term the Chief will to continue to protect tribal sovereignty while navigating compacts and agreements with the state and local governments to ensure safety, justice and service needs are met, not only for tribal citizens, but the entire community of Seminole because we all live in this community together,” Lambert commented. “I have always had a passion to see prosperity for my people and my community. I see the Seminole Nation as the heart of our area and we have to make our heart strong to see Seminole thrive and to reach our tribal members, not only in our reservation or state, but throughout the Nation.”

Lambert has lived in Seminole for most of her life where she attended Varnum Elementary, Pleasant Grove High School, Seminole State College, and East Central University. She grew up at Snake Creek #2 Baptist Church and Gar Creek Ceremonial Ground. She is wind clan with her father being bird clan, her maternal grandfather was bear and paternal grandfather was panther.

When asked about being a female chief Lambert stated, “I believe it’s time for the Seminole Nation to have a woman Chief. I won’t be the first, but I could possibly be the first since Alice Brown was appointed Principal Chief in 1922 by President Harding. As a matriarchal society, we are trained at a very young age that women are to serve their people with dignity and respect. I believe services to our people is the best way to lead and learn the individual needs of our citizens.”

Lambert believes her upbringing and personal values have prepared her for this leadership role. Her final comments being, “my parents taught to me to work hard and not to forget the journey that brought us here. My mom’s family imparted cultural traditions and while my dad’s family showed me faith in Jesus Christ. I have learned that it takes knowing both to lead our people with purpose and without fear. You need purpose to move forward, but fear will cause you to stay where you are or to move backwards. It’s time to move forward.”

You can learn more about Stephaney Lambert on her Facebook book page “Lambert for Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation.”