My name is Chance Clinchers, and I am a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, with additional Umonhon and Winnebago heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Outside of my professional life, I am an enthusiastic cosplayer and amateur photographer.

Previously, I served as the Recruiter for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska before transitioning to the role of Tribal Planner. In this capacity, my main goal is securing critical funding to drive positive change for the Omaha Tribe. Whether through tireless hours of grant writing, cultivating relationships with philanthropists and foundations, or navigating the shifting and often frustrating political landscape in Washington, D.C. my goal is clear: to achieve economic transformation for our people.

I currently reside in Walthill, where I grew up, attended school, and have worked in various roles since college. This year, I was honored to be elected to the Walthill School Board, and I am eager to push for initiatives that will better prepare our youth for the next steps in their lives—whether that’s college, vocational training, or workforce preparation. I feel deeply responsible for the future of our youth, and I am doing my best to guide some of them through the process of applying to college and preparing for life beyond high school through my work with the Mika’E Niahshinga – Youth Council of the Omaha Tribe.

As Secretary of the Omaha Tribal Housing Authority, I plan to implement an ambitious grant writing strategy aimed at securing funds to increase housing availability on the reservation. I also continue to serve as a volunteer firefighter for the Walthill Fire Department, which, though challenging, gives me a sense of purpose.

I want to do more for our community. The Omaha Tribe welcomed me with open arms when I was young, and I owe so much to our people. All of my efforts are focused on the future—ensuring that the Omaha Tribe thrives, that our youth have the opportunities they deserve, and that we take control of our own economic destiny. I am not perfect—only Christ was—but I promise that I am giving my all to this work. I know that, with time, my efforts will help transform the future of the Umonhon people and the community I call home.