Billy Bailey (Class of 2022)

As Tribal Citizens of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, William (Billy) Bailey Jr. and Brandy Chunn have turned their anthropology degrees from the University of South Alabama into careers devoted to protecting their people’s history and culture. Bailey, director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office and the elected Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, leads the department in ensuring that the Tribe’s voice remains central in decisions about land, heritage, and preservation. “A big part of my work is making sure our sovereignty is recognized and expressed through how we protect and manage our cultural heritage,” Bailey explains. From site protection to compliance with laws like Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), his leadership is rooted in safeguarding sovereignty while honoring community traditions.

Working alongside him, Chunn serves as Tribal Historic Preservation Specialist, where she focuses on documenting and preserving the Tribe’s cultural resources under Title 39 of the Tribal Code. She plays a vital role in protecting sacred and historic places, advocating for self- determination, and building partnerships that strengthen the Tribe’s position on the local, state, and national stage. “Our work is about more than preservation—it’s about making sure our history is honored and our authority upheld for generations to come,” Chunn says. Together, Bailey and Chunn carry forward their shared commitment to cultural stewardship, using their anthropological training not only to preserve the past but also to secure a resilient future for the Poarch Creek people.