Pearl
Capoeman-Baller, a Quinault Tribal member, is the President
of the Quinault Indian Nation and Executive Director of the Nation’s
administrative unit. She is married with two children and one
little red head granddaughter named Chase McKenzie Baller and
a grandson, born September 10, 2004 - Tutesum (Quinault-Strong
Hunter of the Valley) James Baller. Pearl
and her husband John reside on the Quinault reservation near Taholah,
Washington.
Ms. Capoeman-Baller grew up in an extended
family environment. Her mother died of cancer when Pearl was 5
and her father was highly involved in the political arena. As
a result, though Pearl saw her father almost
daily, she was raised mostly by older family members – grandparents
and great uncles and aunts. From each, Pearl believes she was
given something that helps her to lead her people.
Pearl got her start in the political arena
as a founding member of the Quinault Teen Council in the late
1960’s. They held their own elections, were given seed money,
and developed policies that they had to manage. Pearl finished
high school, attended college, and then took a position as an
administrative secretary for the Nation. At the age of 19 Pearl
was elected to serve on the Tribal Council.
Since then, Ms. Capoeman Baller has held several Officer positions
on the Council: Tribal Secretary, Vice President, and President
since 1993. In addition, Pearl has served as the Assistant Director
of Administration, Director of Administration, and now, Executive
Director for the Nation’s administrative unit.
Throughout her tenure Pearl has served on numerous
organizations. Some of the organizations she has served on include
the following:
- HHS Consultation Task Force Team, Co-Chair
- IHS Consultation Task Force Team, Co-Chair
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board,
Member, Secretary, Vice Chair, and Current Chairman.
- National Tribal Environmental Council-Delegate,
and Current Chair
- National American Delegate to Trust for
Public Lands Board
- Secretary Washington State Tribal Leaders
Association
- National Congress of American Indians
- Affiliated Tribes of Norwest Indians
- Tribal Caucus Member- (AIEO)
- Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services,
Tribal Technical Advisory Grout (TTAG) Representative 2003
- Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
- National Indian Health Board, Board Member
- National Tribal Development Association
- Elks Club
- Quinault Enrollment Committee
- Quinault Fish & Game Committee
- Quinault Land & Timber Enterprises
Board of Directors
- Quinault Indian Nation Health Board.
Pearl has received many acknowledgements
and awards in recognition for her contributions to Indian Country.
She was acknowledged by the National Indian Health Board for her
many years of service; was chosen as the delegate of the year
by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board for 1991 and
1996; was one of several Indian women honored at a conference
hosted by the Pine Ridge Sioux; was honored by the Chippewa Cree
for being an outstanding leader; was one of sixteen tribal leaders
selected to participate in the first ever Tribal-White House meeting;
participated as a key tribal leader in the first ever National
Tribal Listening Conference; received certificates throughout
her leadership from the Indian Health Service for serving on numerous
task forces; was selected to testify before Congress, and was
a Native American delegate at the National Democratic Convention
in 1996 and 2000.