Story Published:
Sep 30, 2009
Story Updated:
Sep 25, 2009
WASHINGTON – In a speech at the National Indian Health Board Annual Consumer Conference in Washington, Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said the United States signed the line which promised health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
“Our government promised it. That trail of broken promises can end, it doesn’t have to continue, but it ought to end now.” He gave attendees an update about the health care reform issues that directly affect their communities.
Dorgan briefly addressed the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which he felt was good legislation, but said it took 17 years to get the bill to the Senate. He was saddened to see that an amendment regarding abortion was attached to the IHCIA which prevented it from passing.
“This is an issue of life and death, but in a couple of weeks, the IHCIA will be reintroduced to the Senate.” Tribal leaders and health professionals from various AI/AN communities in the audience applauded in support of that idea.
Dorgan shared his concern about seeing the clusters of suicides occurring in AI/AN communities. On Aug. 6, Dorgan sponsored Senate Bill 1635-7th Generation Promise: Indian Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 2009, a bill to establish an Indian Youth telemental health demonstration project that would enhance the provision of mental health services to Indian youth.
During the hearings about it, he had the opportunity to meet with kids and talk about their lives and the lives of their friends. “I wanted to give kids hope and help. I am determined to make that happen,” Dorgan said.
Talking candidly about the issues and concerns people have raised in talking about health care reform, he said there are some people who are worried about rationed health care. “If anyone knows about rationed health care, it is you. It has been done routinely, daily, monthly and across the country. Your health care has been rationed for too long, and that should be on the front page of every paper – that your needs are unmet.”
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Seeking Advice said on Monday, Oct 5 at 9:35 PM
Thank you for words of wisdom from other tribes. What needs to happen is a complete and unbiased financial audit of all monies that have been given to the tribe for the past 20 years. Our current leaders don't want that audit done because of the people who have had their hands in the cookie jar for too long. I mean no disrespect to our people, we are not taught that way of behavior, yet our leaders have failed us time and again. In the spirit of our past warriors, I say this and share this.
30170177Hey if you are an Apache Warrior? said on Monday, Oct 5 at 4:58 PM
Where are you?I didn't know there were cute cowboy's in Cedar Creek?!A majority of the Council and tribal political appointees have never had MONEY!All of you who grew up here know that,we know their background.They were handed $65K and went BANANAS with GREED!Do you think they will just walk away from that kind of ZHALII(Money)?They have no understanding of the word ETHICS/MORALs.They like the PRESTIGE of the title and therefore think they should be entitled to preferential treatment.
30158324Apache Warrior - Arizona said on Monday, Oct 5 at 1:50 PM
To Northern Ute Warrior: You speak with wisdom and honor. It is well that we take your advice. We are at the end of a non-violent effort to remove the dishonorable tribal council. Nothing seems to work. They have even dishonored the elders of the tribe. The BIA sits and watches on the side lines. What will it take now to correct the problem with our corrupt leaders? When an Apache is backed in a corner, watch out!
30148819northernutewarrior said on Monday, Oct 5 at 1:18 PM
To all you Apache People, i offer these words that my UTE Elders told me as a youngster, they stated, "They are elected by their people to honestly represent everyone, and if you can not sit up there and honestly represent all of us then you should remove yourself, and put someone else there to speak for our children and grandchildren, not only speak for you and your families, and friends" that is how i live my life, i honestly talk for what's best for all my NorthernUte People,not just me!
30146849Words of Advice said on Saturday, Oct 3 at 12:08 PM
"People hear you when you speak, people see you when you're quiet. 9 times out of 10, people like you when you're silent." -Oprah. Perhaps Councilwoman Gatewood is keeping a low-key and getting ready to run again. I mean, come on, she likes the pay the perks and traveling with nice-looking Cedar Creek cowboys
30074792mud ball said on Friday, Oct 2 at 4:02 PM
well, there still is a chance to change an imposed government if one is willing to do government stuff, like going to meetings, helping out. et cetera. when there is a chance indian tribes can assume authorities like states---that will be the day.
30040437Lets not stop there but continue said on Friday, Oct 2 at 1:00 PM
What about all of the incompetent political appointees from present and previous administrations,FOOD Division of Health Director, she was never nice under Massey, when Lupe got elected her attitude really changed. What about the uneducated Tribal Court judges?None of the judges have above a high school education.Judges,who were appointed by the tribal council.They strut around Whiterive like they're gods.The Tribal treasurer is nothing but a puppet.And Council Gatewood you NEVER say anything!!!
30029919WMAT council Gatewood said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 8:28 PM
That is another person that needs to go. Election time is coming up soon for Apache voters, so please let's not vote her in again. Seems to me you Cibecue people could have picked someone who speaks clear English and has the intellgence to lead in a non-Apache world and not act like a mongloid mouse.
29995407The Irony of it ALL said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 8:08 PM
is this. Vice Chairwoman Margaret Walker is a direct descendent of one of the greatest Apache leaders of our tribe...Alchesay. I wonder what he would say to his great-granddaughter and knowing what has transpired under her leadership? My prayers to her for God and she alone know what took place and what she has done. May the peyote help her with her mind, thoughts, prayers and actions. From the doorway in...to the doorway out...may beauty and harmony be restored.
29994594Apache Leader - said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 7:24 PM
What would Geronimo,Mangus Coloradas,Cochise and all our ancestral clan leaders do about a situation like we have today? They would not tolerate it. They would fix it the Apache way, they would take back the tribal government by force! They would not stand for an Apache abusing another Apache! The Apache council continuing to abuse their authority and challenging the people. If this don't stop the potential of all hell breaking lose is very high.
29993057SOVEREIGNTY said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 6:09 PM
It's times like this that I believe tribal council people and elected officials like to take out the term SOVEREIGNTY and hide behind it for political and legal protection. My prayers to you Apaches in Arizona.
29989979Feds Please Investigate said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 5:48 PM
We here on the Fort Apache reservation in Central Eastern Arizona have millions of Federal dollars unaccounted for. We tried to seek alternative methods in asking the Feds to look into allegation of mismanagement of monies. We were told to go to your tribal council. What does one do when the TRIBAL COUNCIL and THE VICE CHAIR and the CHAIRMAN are all part of the problem? Here's something sad as well, the Vice cointinues to travel on tribal dollars despite poverty levels at an all time high.
29989034WMAT Salaries said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 5:47 PM
Our tribal council each make $65,000 a year. Chairman makes allegedly $95,000 a yr. They also get paid money to attend meetings ON THE RES. The person responsible for that hike in pay was Vice Chairwoman Margaret Walker. As soon as the new council members were voted in 3 years ago or so, she made a motion to have their salaries increased. She makes $90,000 and almost 95% of our council DON'T HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE!!!!!!!!
29988959Misuse of monies said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 5:45 PM
White MOuntain Apache Tribal LEaders VOTED THEMSELVES a raise when 90 percent of the rez is unemployed and no future prospects of jobs on the horizon. Me thinks our symbol should be that End of The Trail Apache Warrior emblem.
29988837A Disgrace to Apache Nation said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 11:45 AM
Vice Chairwomen Margaret Walker has no shame for being pictured. She has brought shame and embarrament upon the White Mountain Apache people. You folks don't know her like we do on the rez. She is a very dishonest and unethical person that likes to show off in public. She is one of the root causes of the tribes serious fianacial problems. She doesn't represent the White Mountain Apache people.
29964464Possible news story? said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 11:30 PM
ALERT! ICT contact Councilman Rubert Lupe and ask him about his July summer meeting with Dr. Yvetter Roubideaux in Rockville MD. IHS Head director got WMATribe, through the leadership of Lupe over $3million for suicide prevention. Ask Lupe why the tribe can't get that money. It is because the tribe can't open an account for the funds to be channeled there properly due to our being in debt $25 million. Ask Vice Walker, Chair Lupe and Council about that! (928-338-4346 Tribe Hdqtrs no.)
29940482Apache leaders are a mockery at best said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 7:27 PM
Pictured herein is White Mtn Apache Vice-Chairwoman Margaret Walker. She is part of the problem here on Fort Apache. In June, councilman Lupe secured millions for suicide prevention from IHS, but because of her leadership and usage of monies to travel ALOT, our tribe is in the red 4 millions of dollars. Walker served 4 two decades and is part of the irresponsible funding of Federal dollars. She's no leader or knows even basic businss practices. That money 4 suicide is still not being used
29929952sunshine said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 6:52 PM
The liberation and freedom for the natives will come from the same natives. Not from african, europeans nor asians!
29928307do not be deceived again said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 6:51 PM
The liberation and freedom for the natives will come from the same natives. Not from african, europeans nor asians! No to trust to two faced devils foreign enemies
29928237Dan said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 5:53 PM
White man speak with forked tongue, again!
29925497Myles Manthey said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 3:55 PM
wow thats good
29918432Tell the Truth & Shame the Devil said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 1:14 PM
The Keepseagle litigation? These (tribal and federal) politicians won't even broach the real issues of concern. They are just too busy "making nice" Consequently, very little is ever accomplished. I'm sick and tired of these self-proclaimed tribal dignitaries crawling up the steps of Capital Hill with hat in hand begging for what is rightful due. The wuss mentality must stop...it's time to man up and demand what is ours!
29907764Keepseagle? said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 12:54 PM
Did he talk about how the USDA won't even talk about settling the Keepseagle litigation?
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