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Chief Robert Blair Bass
Swift Raven
Chief Bob Bass is our current and founding chief. On December 8, 2021, the decision was made to form the Tripanick Nansemond Family Indian Nation. Chief Bob accepted responsibility for the journey ahead. He is a direct male descendant of Elizabeth of Nansemond and her son, William’s line. With some 40 years of genealogical family research experience he is among a small group of people highly knowledgeable about our Bass family history.
He brings with him a portfolio of vast experience in multiple levels of business management as well as an intense sense of entrepreneurship all coming from positions with major corporations, working with government contracting and several start-up businesses. A corporate pilot for over 30 years, he retired from a major government contractor in 2009, holding positions as Chairman of the Aviation Safety Board and Director of flight operations.
His personal interests include racing, hunting and fishing, golf, baseball, and cycling. And, in high school, being a part of Big Blue Marching and Concert Band was a major priority. To this day he has a set of drums in the garage used for relieving pent up energy.
His love for racing produced him a National Championship in 2009. Being the owner of a firearms shop, competition remains a big part of the picture. He is the 2024 A-Line Indoor 22LR rifle national champion. This is the second consecutive year he has held the title.
Married to Janet Hudgens Bass for 49 years, she has been by his side as an inspiration and major asset throughout each adventure.
His vision for the Tribe is to build a self-sustainable, dynamic community that offers a library for genealogy research.
Assistant Chief
Ken Grable
Ken Grable was appointed Vice Chief by Chief Robert B. Bass “Swift Raven” shortly after his decision to form the Tripanick Nansemond Family Indian Nation as they have worked hand in hand over many years in research of each other’s Bass Lineage.
His role as Vice Chief is to assist the Chief in his vision of building this Indian Nation to benefit it members in becoming a self-sustainable and dynamic community as well as take on all duties as assigned be the Chief and Council.
His Bass Lineage goes to the Direct line of Elizabeth of Nansemond which comes through his 3rd Great Grandmother Nancy E. Bass on his Matriarchal side of his mother’s family, Nancy E. Bass would be the 5th Great Granddaughter of Elizabeth of Nansemond and 4th Great Granddaughter of William Bass the Son of Elizabeth of Nansemond and an unknown Sub-Saharan male.
He has over 30 years of Genealogy experience throughout his family and in so locating the Bass line and took great interest tracing these Ancestors from out of Virginia through North Carolina to Tennessee where his 5th Great Grandfather of his Bass line Jeremiah Bass Jr. left with several others in 1798 from Elizabethton area of Tennessee to Natchez Miss. where he, Jeremiah settled.
His interest through his life other than Genealogy has been the Outdoors, Hunting and Fishing and has worked in the large industrial construction industry his whole life, in doing so raised 4 great children that follow in his footsteps of life and enjoyment.
Lina Ivie
Vice Chief of Communications
Lina is responsible for the Communications of Tribal information within the Tribal Council She has also been assigned to work on multiple project assignments along with another Council member, who both have vast experience in research and documenting the History of our Native Ancestors.
Truda Brown
Executive Director of
Tribal Enrollment
Truda is the Executive Director of Tribal Enrollment and a certified genealogist. She enjoys historical research and helping people discover their Bass lineage. She has specialized in researching and documenting her Bass line since 2013. Truda's Bass lineage starts with her grandmother, Ruby Bass Smith, and connects to her sixth great grandfather, Esau Bass Sr; descendants of William Basse of 1654 and Elizabeth of Nansemond.
Jeremiah Bass
Vice Chief of Operations
Jeremiah, is responsible for Operations within the Tribal Council. He has also been assigned to work on multiple project assignments along with another Council. They were both tasked with this responsibility due to their extreme abilities to dig up the past on our Ancestors.
Ken Bass
Lone Wolf
Council Member and Tribal Advisor
Ken's life has been a tapestry woven with threads of service, law enforcement, and a deep connection to the past. From soaring through the skies as a member of the United States Air Force, to patrolling the streets as a police officer, and ensuring order within the walls of a correctional facility, throughout his career, Ken has been dedicated to protecting and serving community and country. The discipline and structure instilled in him during his time in the Air Force shaped his approach to the challenges he faced as a police officer. The fast-paced environment of law enforcement demanded quick thinking, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to upholding justice. Later, as a corrections officer, he learned the importance of empathy and understanding, even in the face of difficult circumstances. Now retired from active service, he has turned his attention to a different kind of investigation, uncovering the stories of his ancestors. As a genealogist, he meticulously pieces together fragmented histories, connecting names and dates to paint a vibrant picture of the lives that came before him. It's a rewarding pursuit, connecting me to a legacy that stretches back through generations. His journey has been varied and challenging, but it has always been driven by a desire to serve and a fascination with the stories that shape us. I'm proud of the contributions I've made and excited to continue exploring the endless possibilities that await our Tribe. The future, like the past, is a story waiting to be told, and our journey is just beginning.
Ronnie Bass
Council Member and Tribal Advisor
Ronnie was born January 25, 1947, in Killeen, Texas, in his aunt‘s front bedroom. He was raised in Waco, Texas, until the age of 10 when his family moved to the town of Lorena, Texas, there he was exposed at this young age to farming and ranching as a young boy. In 1964, at the age of 17, Ronnie joined and served with the United States Marine Corps. There, he served four years of active duty service to our country. After being discharged from the Marines, he worked various Construction jobs until he decided to enroll into tech school for HVAC, making that his lifelong career choice until he retired, and also where he met his wife Tanna Jo, which changed of both their lives forever, Ronnie and Tanna Jo had the most beautiful life together with a wonderful marriage of 33 years.
Rodney Ward
Council member and Advisor, Non-Member
Tom Wheat
Council member and Advisor, Non-Member
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