Introducing Our New CEO: John R. Reeves III Joins UAII
UAII is excited to announce John R. Reeves III as our ...
Samuel “Bon” Deere is a respected Elder, fluent first-language speaker of the Muscogee (Creek) language, and a longtime cultural leader at Nuyaka Ceremonial Ground. A citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and member of the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town, Mr. Deere brings over 20 years of expertise in Indian Child Welfare, Tribal social services, and community advocacy.
He currently serves as Special Supreme Court Justice of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation and formerly held the role of Acting Secretary of Community and Human Services, overseeing critical programs including Elder Services, TANF, Youth Services, and Child Welfare. His career includes leadership roles with Tribal nations across Oklahoma and Washington, where he has developed culturally grounded policies, directed multi-agency programs, and served as an ICWA expert witness.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Deere is the Director of the Phillip Deere Roundhouse Foundation and a frequent speaker at national gatherings focused on Indigenous rights, youth empowerment, and traditional knowledge. He remains committed to cultural preservation, language revitalization, and strengthening Native families.
