President Barack Obama, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Cabinet Members hosted the White House Tribal Nations Conference to ensure that American Indians and Alaska Natives have a hand in the development of the policies that affect Indian Country. The Conference was held today in the Sidney R. Yates Auditorium at the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C.
More than 400 tribal leaders of the 564 federally recognized tribes attended the event, each looking forward to voicing concerns and also their thanks to the Conference hosts.
Secretary Salazar welcomed Conference attendees. Salazar stated:
We recognize that the federal government's history with Indian nations is long and troubled. We live with a legacy of injustice. But today, we also live in a moment of great opportunity." This historic gathering was meant to be the beginning of an ongoing discussion so that the "First Americans" can "decide the future" that they will build toward.
Introduced by the President of the National Congress of American Indians, Jefferson Keel, President Obama approached the podium to great applause. His speech in its entirety can be read here.
President Obama signed a memorandum that requires each Cabinet agency to compose a detailed plan within the next 90 days. Each plan will outline how the agency will implement President Clinton's executive order, issued many years ago, to establish collaboration between the federal government and the tribal nations. President Obama told attendees that as long as he is in the White House, "you will not be forgotten."
Following President Obama's speech, a Q&A session followed, during which Wilfred Cleveland of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin referred to the President as "he who cares."
During three panel discussions (Economic Development, Natural Resources, Energy, Environment and Agriculture; Public Safety and Housing; Education, Health Care and Labor), all moderated by Secretary Salazar, attendees shared concerns and asked questions.
AIR spoke with Vice Chairperson of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, Shirley Laos. Trinidad Rancheria has concerns about Health Care as their tribal members are once again without insurance. Vice Chair Laos expressed that the Conference is a "great opportunity" as the Trinidad Rancheria met with Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Larry EchoHawk a total of four times, but after today, has been able to meet with Secretary Salazar and others.In his closing remarks, President Obama reaffirmed that this is the "beginning of a process" with which he and his team will follow up. He stated:
I want you to know that, as I said this morning, this is not something that we just give lip service to. And we are going to keep on working with you to make sure that the first Americans get the best possible chances in life in a way that's consistent with your extraordinary traditions and culture and values.To view additional photos, please visit American Indian Report on Facebook.
Photos and blog post by Cerissa Hontiveros
I'm not an American Indian, but am working for Tribal Health Clinic in Wisconsin, and I'm so glad to see that President Obama has been gradually taking some steps to improve the healthcare and education of Native Americans and Alaska Nations. Although much belated, it's encouraging. American Indians should be given 100% health coverage, and more opportunities for their education.
ReplyDeleteI am an American Indian and a resident member of the Middletown Rancheria, located in Middletown California. I am the Indian Child Welfare Act Director for my tribe. Living here and working with a variety of local, state and federal agencies bring with it a constant disappointment, that is, the non-Indian world has forgotten, or may not understand, why American Indians are different than other ethinic groups here in the United States. Everytime I meet with new agencies I hear the same feedback, " I understand how you people feel, and I'm just like you!" or "I didn't do anything to your people, trust me!" How can these agencies ever create a Performance Improvement Plan including services to Native Americans, if they don't understand why the services are needed in the first place. I think the intent is a good one by the White House, but I don't think a mandate actually educates. Without us having a chance to give input, the new policies will be created based on the individuals limited knowledge of Native Issues, againg it will miss the intended mark.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I missed a thing or two, but I truely feel that if you represent a tribe, then dress the part.
ReplyDeleteAfter all we are tribal, right?
Why weren't our representatives in traditional wear?
They all looked like a bunch of brown people in a room.
Where was your pride?
Thank you for representing our people.
Is there going to be a replay of all the remarks or a video/dvd or transcript of all that was said by the panel as well as floor speakers ?
ReplyDeleteAs to the Tribal attire well that is not the place for it. You obviously have not idea of what it means to be Tribal and beads and feathers don't prove anything but only reinforce a bad sterotype. Clothing does not make a person more important so your $3,000 suits and ties are a waste of money they don't make you any smarter.
ReplyDeleteDo not wait around for the government to offer any substantial or immediate assistance. The fact is Native Americans are just one of many ethnic groups vying for a seat at the table and waiting on proportionate dispersement of funds to advance the social welfare of our proud and resilient people. We must continue to take part in the system but first and foremost excercise self-governance and self-determination at all times. The fortunate Indian nations that have survived to see the 21st century owe it to our ancestors who understood and lived by these two important concepts. Did anyone else find it ironic that the "historic" conference took place at the very government agency that represents hundreds of years of failed obligations and broken promises?
ReplyDelete