WASHINGTON -- George T. Skibine, a top career official in Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Skibine is the Acting Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Economic Development – Indian Affairs.
Interior Deputy Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett issued the delegation of authority action on May 23, 2008, following Carl J. Artman’s departure from the post. The delegation is effective until further notice.
“George Skibine is an experienced federal manager who is well known and respected throughout Indian Country,” said Deputy Secretary Scarlett. “The Office of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education will be in very capable hands during the search for a new assistant secretary for Indian Affairs.”
Skibine, who is an enrolled member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, has served as the acting deputy assistant secretary since 2004. He also currently serves as Director of the Office of Indian Gaming in the Department and has directed that office since 1995. From April to August of 2007, he served as the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs.
His experience at the Interior Department also includes having served as an attorney in the Office of the Solicitor and as Deputy Associate Solicitor for the Division of Indian Affairs. He also served for several years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Skibine holds a degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.