Kalyn Free
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Kalyn Free is a member of the Choctaw Native American tribe; born in Red Oak, Oklahoma. In 1998, she was the first Native American woman to ever be elected a District Attorney in Oklahoma. During her administration, she focused her efforts on fighting for women, children and victim's rights. Before her political career, Kalyn worked for the United States Department of Justice for 10 years and was the youngest attorney ever hired by DOJ.
In 2004, she was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the open House seat in the 2nd Congressional District, with the support of Emily's List, Sierra Club and21st Century Democrats. She lost the nomination to the eventual general election winner, Congressman Dan Boren.
Currently, Kalyn is working to establish the very first political action committee devoted to electing Native American candidates at the local and state level, INDN's List[1] (Indigenous Native Democratic Network). An avid runner, Kalyn has participated in several marathons. Kalyn has an abiding interest in Japan and has represented the United States on trips to Japan sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders. Kalyn and some friends and family capped her latest trip to Japan by climbing Mt. Fuji.
As part of her efforts to give Native Americans a greater voice in the political arena, Kalyn has created www.PrezOnTheRez.org, which invites Presidential candidates to meet and address the concerns of indigenous peoples.