Story Published:
Sep 4, 2009
Story Updated:
Sep 3, 2009
WASHINGTON – When several tribal leaders trekked to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House grounds Aug. 31, it represented one of the rare times in American history when a cross-section of tribes were invited by a sitting president’s staff to conduct official business.
Administration officials, eager to highlight the nation-to-nation philosophy that President Barack Obama has espoused regarding tribes and the federal government, said the meeting was a first step in enhancing relations with tribes.
Shin Inouye, a spokesman for the White House, would not say precisely how many tribal leaders were invited. He described the meeting as a couple of “informal discussions.”
“I can say that President Obama is committed to improving communication between Indian nations and his administration and believes that regular dialogue will foster a respectful partnership and assist in identifying and addressing the needs of Indian country,” Inouye said, adding that the intent of the gathering was to focus on “important issues that impact Native American communities.”
While administration officials would not describe specific details of the meeting, Inouye did say the gathering was aimed at informing the administration’s agenda of what he called a “tribal nations conference” to be held at the White House in the future.
A gathering of tribal nations, which was promised by Obama during his campaign for president to be a yearly occurrence, is expected to take place sometime this fall, but the exact date has not yet been decided, Inouye said.
Details of what is to be achieved at the larger conference have not been released.
Attendees seemed generally satisfied with the proceedings. Some said it left them feeling inspired.
Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter attended the meeting and said tribal leaders spoke about sovereignty, taxation, land claims and other issues.
“We were pleased to have been asked to provide our input, and we were assured that the White House will engage in ongoing consultation.”
Still, some from Indian country said the event could have been better organized. For instance, it was closed to tribes that could not afford to attend, as well as to ones that were not invited – problems that need addressing, tribal leaders said.
The White House would not say how it went about inviting tribes, nor if every tribe in the nation was invited to participate. There are 564 federally recognized tribes, according to the BIA. There are also several state-recognized tribes.
An invitation letter sent from Kim Teehee, the top Native American affairs advisor to Obama, was released by some tribal leaders. It indicated that each tribe would be allowed two participants. The letter did not say how many tribes were invited.
The White House Domestic Policy Council, which is aimed at providing policy advice to the president, and the Office of Public Engagement, which serves as an outreach vehicle for the White House, co-hosted the event, according to the letter.
Little snafus were apparent on the day of the event. For instance, one of the few known pictures of the rare tribal leaders’ meeting was taken via a cell phone camera belonging to one of the chairmen in attendance.
Tribal leaders who attended said it looked like dozens of attendees were present.
While few details were offered by way of public explanation from the White House, several tribal leaders publicly expressed their thoughts after the meeting.
Derek Bailey, chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, feels it’s important for the White House to communicate with tribal leaders who could not attend the gathering.
Bailey sent several Twitter messages during the meeting. He hopes the messages helped fill in some blanks, serving as a source of information for his own tribal members and others throughout the nation who were not invited, or could not be there.
He believes the administration should work to better communicate with tribes nationwide, through routes like providing video links to future meetings, and conducting increased outreach to the press on Native issues.
Of his own online messages, Bailey said he tried to be respectful of the administration’s process and not to insult the White House facilitators.
“I hope that I didn’t offend people by putting a tweet out. To me, it was just so important to share. … I wanted to share the exuberance I felt.
“For the effective change, tribal leaders need to have equal understanding – when you communicate, the message is shared and everyone feels included.”
While Bailey wishes more tribal leaders could have been involved, he was “very impressed” with the Native American folks and others in the White House who helped carry out the event.
“Never was there a question about whether they were engaged or not,” Bailey said of the facilitators. “This was an initial discussion – more will come from it, and I welcome it.”
Bailey noted that Teehee, a member of the Cherokee Nation, and other Native administration officials were present, including the Office of Public Engagement’s Jodi Gillette, a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; IHS director Yvette Roubideaux, a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe; and the BIA’s Del Laverdure, a citizen of the Crow Tribe.
St. Regis Mohawk Chief James Ransom, who attended the meeting with the tribe’s Chief Mark Garrow, also shared a post-event message regarding White House communications.
“Our understanding is that the federal government is looking to improve communications with tribes, so this, the first ‘listening session,’ will be followed up by other meetings between White House and tribal officials.”
Ransom presented information during one of two meetings, which highlighted ways his tribe tries to communicate.
One of his descriptions detailed the history of the Mohawk and Haudenosaunee people in building relationships with others. He specifically mentioned the Two Row Wampum Treaty Belt as a positive example of the types of relationships the tribe and its people strive for.
Meanwhile, J.C. Seneca, a council member for the Seneca Nation of New York, took the opportunity to deliver a briefing paper that urged the Obama administration to live up to Obama’s campaign promise to engage in nation-to-nation consultation.
The paper called on the U.S. government to allow tribes to reject particular regulations and to require government officials who make decisions to be present at consultation sessions. It said, too, that the Seneca Nation would not comply with or implement regulations that were not created without proper notice and adequate consultation.
Editor’s note: Indian Country Today is a division of Four Directions Media, which is owned by Oneida Nation Enterprises, LLC.
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GreatWhiteHunter said on Friday, Sep 18 at 10:37 PM
All I would like 2 point out is that recently they released the lockerbie bomber who actually did kill alot more people then Leonard Peltier was wrongfully accused of and imprisoned for on grounds of him being terminally ill. Then they keep denying Leonard even with all his medical problems
29356694Perank said on Friday, Sep 18 at 12:08 AM
At this time the UTe Tribe is facing Water Issues with the State of Utah, where is the government in assitancing the tribe in fending off the state. All I see is lipservice. Sen. McCain would have been a right choice to help the indian rights and their fights with the states.
29313987Two Feathers said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 9:32 PM
This is window dressing. 2012 will be here in due time. I ask that YHWY give sight where there is only darkness. What is lacking with the United States is HONOR. Where is the HONOR? President Obama, forget us not. We are of long suffering. May YHWY intervene on our behalf and be a witness to the truth of what has happened and make judgemen! Quantum.
29309643redsavage99 said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 9:14 PM
Our people need to quit relying on the govt especially the Obama administration . He pays only lip service to us and is going to take money away from IHS to help pay for his statist healthcare.We are sovereign nations , why will we not exercise that right ?
29309084Wanbli said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 5:43 PM
It funny how people put a price on soveriegnty and still their not free. Soveriegnty is divine but people with depraved minds and greed in their hearts have tryed to munipulate universal natural laws, principles and decrees and believe it can be bought with blood money. The natural law is the guiding principle for all red nations to learn to govern themselves as authentic autonomous free nations, seperate from Imperial Capitalism that looks at human beings as object of their own purchasing power
29301403itomi said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 2:50 PM
I believe we are a nation of over 500 tribal groups as well as all those not counted...survivors of the elders who have lead us into today. How do we voice our concerns any different than in the past? What do we want? Freedom is not free. Who is listening? The man with the purse is the leader. "They have the resources"
29292417Quail said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 12:18 AM
WashingtonRedskin--Its ironic that you admonish people to get up and do something for themselves and yet it's those very people who got out the vote for Obama. Reservations went big for Obama and it was reservation people that did it. And then people like you--who are not even elected--position yourself in DC as some sort of leader. You didnt lift a finger and you are an opportunist who is responsible for the ignorant policies that come out of DC
29265656Daryl Black Eagle Counsel of Chiefs said on Wednesday, Sep 16 at 11:56 AM
I wonder why so many of our Eastern Tribes were not aware of this open forum. I represent the Pocasset Wampanoags a Treaty Tribe of the Northeast. I hope that problems here will be addressed in Massachussets.Hope this is not indicative of the same old regime all Natives should be included to be heard.If Obama wants to help why not visit the States and reservations and open his eyes to the tragedies that are going on. For instance constant enroachment of Indian Lands and violations of Treaties.
29233034frame349 said on Wednesday, Sep 16 at 8:52 AM
As much as I admire and our elders and our traditional regalia, I don't like it when they are paraded through the "White House" or other govt. function to placate the "Indian" masses. Predominate culture looks at our elders in regalia with a smirk on their face. We are a joke to them, costumed clowns for their amusement. Save the headdress and regalia for when it is appropriate and honored. Don't be a freak show for the masses to ridicule, because they don't know the honor and meaning in it.
29223528vice chair said on Wednesday, Sep 16 at 3:14 AM
I was there, to me it seemed to lack structured time management for an orderly And well rounded representation of the subject matter at hand "Government to Government consultation reform aimed to reinforce the Advancement of Tribal Sovereignty ...too many nd's preaching to the "council" About how indian they still are, proud to hear all that but not every leader Fortunate enough to attend had a chance to Express technical insight on experience based recommendations For reform
29216331quinaultbob said on Monday, Sep 14 at 5:14 PM
SENATOR Obama sponsored election reform ... Would declare all 564 federally recognized tribes as CORPORATIONS not soverign dependent nations as outlined in the 1830's by the USSC. So tell us how constitutional scholar Obama has changed his rehortic? (See Indian Country Today article:)
29146951Truth Speaker said on Monday, Sep 14 at 4:11 PM
Give me a child to raise and I will teach him the true way of our ancestors. Changes come from our elders teaching our children to pray, think, feel and see the challenges of the world. Changes doesn't come from writings on the internet by adults who are already damaged or has a political agenda. Don't look too far for change. It's in the future of our native children. Changes don't come from meeting a man (Obama). It comes by looking 25 -50 years into the future, by then most will be gone.
29144312JuliaV said on Sunday, Sep 13 at 3:25 PM
Question: What is Black Eagle doing about Leonard Peltier? Falsely accused by US gov't. Unjustly imprisoned. Remember when Obama was on the campaign trail? "Few have been ignored by Washington for as long as Native Americans," he told the cheering crowd in Crow Agency, Mont. He promised to "never forget" his new Indian "family" "You will be on my mind every day when I'm in the White House," he said. (Quotes taken from an article in USAToday)
29098659Wanbli said on Sunday, Sep 13 at 10:14 AM
What every person or family decides or does in the structure is a U.S. political decision, drive a car, buy gas, breath air, drink water, hunt... because this structure has created the future of human race that way. I could never trust in a in-human structure or the gatekeepers of reppression of it upon our nationhoods. Apples will be judge guilty to their complicity in it. In trust and love with my people these empires will surrender to the highest spiritual government not of this world.
29090859doshuhdali said on Sunday, Sep 13 at 7:40 AM
Trust no-one in politics
29087529Wanbli said on Friday, Sep 11 at 5:14 PM
Help me to help this Creation our Beautiful Mother we call Earth to be transformed in the hope and freedom that all living things will humanty can be Unity in Truth and Justice so the Almighty will be awaken to the crys of those relatives that are suffering for the reality of authentic peace and a alternative futures that is worthy of the goodness of all living beings that worshiped at the Altar of Dawn for thousands of years with our anciestors. Who gave all to us, their lives, for our rebirth.
29039801Wanbli said on Friday, Sep 11 at 5:03 PM
The time this American Empire that continues to talk about peace in order to cover its blood tracks and history and war preparation, a illigimate nation that espouses democracy but holds elections for undemocratic purposes, that shields shadow governments from public scrutiny and destablilizes democracies that represent the interests of the aboriginal poor and our homelands, that defends human rights while funding and manages terrorism throughout the indigenous world is coming to an end forever!
29039364Wanbli said on Friday, Sep 11 at 4:57 PM
We that are engage in the struggle to be self-determined and free again as authentic soveriegns do it our of love for our Creator and his Bright Morning Star and all creation he has created and consercrated as sacred, good, blessed and holy, this is his will and ours. We do owr collective work of humanization in the belief and reality of these instructions of the Red "Way of Life" blessed to us. For the U.S Empires to deny the Spirit of this Truth is an continue Act of War against the Creator.
29039062Wanbli said on Friday, Sep 11 at 4:30 PM
The moment of our Red Nations and its People and future as a truly autonomous, athentic and soveriegn nations we must collectively come to the terms of our own humanity for our childern and unborn, if they shall not only surive but live again as a free people in the arms of our healed mother earth that is feeling and going through a new birth of hope, restoration and freedom from all empires. This Ceromony of Truth is the only reality of all life depite the U.S. leaders attempt's to destory it.
29037978lp-docnm said on Friday, Sep 11 at 12:28 PM
None of these "Tribal Leaders" had the presence of mind to ask about Leonard Peltier? I find that shameful.
29026371Larry Monterey said on Friday, Sep 11 at 7:15 AM
PRESS RELEASE NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUEs: Leonard Peltier #89637-132 Link:http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest¬e_id=130464840957#/surfeagle?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile Ben Carnes & Rob Fife are in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, to discuss clemency/health issues with President Barack Obama today …if you can make it, full regalia. EVENT 1 - Fri, Sep 11, 09, 8:45 AM EVENT 2 - Fri, Sep 11, 09, 7-10 PM EVENT 3 - Sat, Sep 12, 09 8:45 AM
29012579Dusty Otero said on Thursday, Sep 10 at 9:11 PM
I am looking at tomorrow as a day we could of been a federaly recognized orange county tribe..I am the one with more blood than all of these so called leaders,the cruz family thinks there going to safe the world,,do the right thing with there family group,,and the one member is me..I voted for ben dubay,,,and he is juswt like Anthony rivera,,getting lobbyist money,,and not informing me the one4 me3mber besides his family.. here we go again 4 leaders of these factions,,all in it for themselfs.
29000966crash said on Thursday, Sep 10 at 7:54 PM
good to hear things might change
28998622NDN who battles said on Thursday, Sep 10 at 10:14 AM
Some so-called tribal leader, has giving away $300 million of our tribal monies to his Uncle in our state, to form a new tribe of Indians & to build ANOTHER flippin casino, secretly behind the backs of all the tribal members. He's looking up into the rafters and thinking yes, me and my uncle pulled this one off. The State Governor's knows of this deception that happen in August 2009! This so-called leader & his cronie send direct orders out to point weapons on our native children.
28971896Historical Blood said on Thursday, Sep 10 at 9:51 AM
Alot of the Chippewas from the Mich. area are hoping that Obama will hear our petrified screams of fear. These so called tribal leaders are sending out direct orders to have tribal police weld assault rifles on historical tribal bloodlines members, so they(tribal leaders) can make way for the non-tracing families of fullblooded nazis, fullblooded mexicans,whites of every color,running our tribal soil& govt. Handing & giving themselves $250.000 for decieving our tribal elders funds!
28970866Just do you said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 1:55 PM
Natives need to take care of themselves and take responsibilty for the own good and make something of themselves, there is no excuse for not trying. What I see is that tribes with casinos still have lack of housing, poverty, health problems and poor education, so it to is there own tribal govts at play here. So no one should be blaming the govt Pres Obama they should look at themselves. Who cares if any President has a Indian office or not!
28932622Praying for the People said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 1:26 PM
Indian Country will get better when Native people stop tearing each other down. Next time, I would like to see both federally and non-federally recognized Tribes present. As always, I am praying for our people.
28931164Second Message to Wanbli said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 1:08 PM
Red Nationalist Truth is that a communist group? Not all Native Americans agree with you and your ranting. Tribal people have to take responsibility for their actions. Blame game the white man for our inadequacies. Prior to 1492 you seem think we were at "play in the fields of the lord" frolicking about and having fun, not true, even then there were tribal wars. America is not the world! Wake up and smell the coffee you moran! You make me laugh out loud.
28930057Isiantiwinyan said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 11:36 AM
Kudos to wanblee for speaking the truth, Its a sad sight to see our own indigenous peoples buying into a fake reality. Don't worry you're not alone out there with the truth you speak, there are more relatives who think like minded. This meeting is only a blast from the past, how many meetings have we seen in black and white photos with our people we esteemed to be leaders dressed up beautifully only to find out that it was only a meet and greet? Open your eyes Indigenous peoples! Toksa ake
28924884Willing to Listen said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 10:23 AM
Is it possible that President Obama is sincerely interested in establishing a relationship and communication with Indian Country? We all know the false faces of the presidents in the past, but before throwing rocks at President Obama, can we listen and talk. The elders/leaders from the tribes, let them see and hear what it is the President is trying to establish with Indian Country, a good time to begin. The President may need assitance with Indian protocol, who will help step up to help him?
28920999Wanbli said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 8:47 AM
In true aboriginal reality its not about winning or losing those are western values that has poluted many young minds and old ones. Our's values as Traditional Peoples and Nations is a Way of Living free and govern freely as aboriginal soveriegn nationhoods without a parternal uncle sam that is a rapist, murderer, lier, and destorer of all life forms at the present time. Change can only come from those engage in reality of traditional cultures bases and spiritual fundamentals that don't covet.
28916321Wanbli said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 8:36 AM
The Red Nationalist Truth will set us free as soveriegn people's and nation and the world from the illusion's and myths of Washington Red Skins of the world. It is these kind of morans that are complicit in the genocide of millions of young aboriginal minds and cultures that are brainwashed by Western values and inmorality. I as a free man am not and American, but one of million's of aboriginals that are victims of Americanism, which the truth is, that; Americaization is an American Nightmare.
28915836SGB said on Wednesday, Sep 9 at 8:02 AM
Who ever believe russel means must either be a blind follower or must not have known him long. Sadly he is the biggest sell out since challenging the Navajo Nations jurisdiction over him after he beat his former father in law. Look to strengthen sovereignty, find positive solutions and spiritual balance. Leave the negative rehtoric, we all know the history, but look for changes now.
28914506asongbird said on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 5:20 PM
Next meeting word should go out to representatives of all recognized federal and state tribes/tribal leaders. Kudos for first meeting and honoring this elder Joseph Medicine Crow. ALl press (including ndn) should be apprised of next meeting far and wide. Ktso Oleoneh for all who Twittered info!
28890106turtlebeak said on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 3:26 PM
If the tribes want change, they'll have to do away with the reservation system; otherwise, change will not come. I have spoken. ~turtlebeak
28884274Equal Representation said on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 2:28 PM
Not all tribes are from the North East quadrant of the US. I hope there was an honest agenda presented to the President on the injustices that still occur on tribal lands by their own people, abuse of council power, misuse of tribal funds, incompetent political appointees, high rates of social problems, alcoholism, suicide, domestic violence, child abuse, etc. Did anyone say something about the unequal tribal court systems? How the BIA investigators never solve murders? The hopelessness felt?
28881569washingtonredskin said on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 10:58 AM
To AM Wanbli: You are aspousing as much rhetoric as the 'government evils' you criticize. What exactly are you doing about it besides regurgitating the past? You can't fix what has happened, but sitting around moaning about how bad you've got it does nothing either. Indian Country will not succeed on the national level with that 'woe is me' defeatist stance. The power has always been with the people, THAT is what our ancestors teach us. Relying on one or two representatives does nothing.
28871374I'm American Indian too! said on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 10:48 AM
Oh yes the White House did say who was invited to the August 31st meeting. WH Gatekeeper, Jodi Gillette said in an email to a State Recognized Indian Leader that, "this meeting is only for leaders of federally recognized tribes."
28870961Wanbli said on Monday, Sep 7 at 9:23 PM
Morans are those that live in the falsehoods of white nationalist imperialism, wear Truth of the oppressive and munipulitive history and nature of Empire domination are unable to confess as truth, because as IRA and BIA puppets the oppressor is inside them now. Our anciestors stated, long ago that the U.S. lied to them and will continue to lie to the future generations of our red nations because of they're evil. The same evil that is in the hearts of our red elitist and privilaged leaders today!
28852576Anne said on Monday, Sep 7 at 11:41 AM
There was mainstream media coverage of Medicine Crow's honoring, but no coverage of his administration's meeting with tribal leaders last week. Sad.
28834726washingtonredskin said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 10:35 PM
To SD Grouch: There was LOTS of major media coverage on this story. I watched it air on CNN and read it in the Washington Post, plus countless transcripts. You are only spreading lies to be mean. Many of my friends from all over the U.S. emailed or called to say they saw it. And to call War Chief Medicine Crow a 'token' is extremely offensive. How DARE anyone say that about him! You have shown NO respect for your elders/leaders and should be ashamed. If anyone is half-a**ed it is you.
28822574washingtonredskin said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 10:24 PM
Well, to those commentators who have nothing but negative ranting to offer...if you don't like how things are going, then get off your 'monday-morning quarterbacker' butts and do the ground legwork to change policy. President Obama is doing his best considering he's from inner-city Chicago and has no concept of Indian Country. Nothing changes overnight in D.C. or the federal government, and extreme militant action only gets you enemies. -Least you don't have a cowboy running the country!
28822333Its a beginning said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 6:53 PM
in the right direction. The administration needs to get with the tribal leaders now, all of them. Tribal leaders need to work on priorities and present that to Obama him self. We need all of these government programs worked on, and much more. I think we need to send all of the taxes received off the gaming , to be used for other programs for all indian tribes.
28817704Robert Xavier Betancourt Junior said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 6:36 PM
Now what do you want from the Korbel decision. How about a SAIL-ABILITY with Andrew Taratala "HOMECOMING HEROES" with the American Legion? Might gain control of some lakes, elect some Native Americans to Congress, bring back the sense of TRIBE, and get others on OUR SIDE. Small things lead to big decisions. American Legion President will be in Wash DC tomorrow, will TEE HEE respond?
28817353kunsi said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 3:56 PM
To Yvette - thank you for comments - not all of us are blind to the positive and negative on BOTH SIDES. Reaction, for the most part,is a big waste of time. Being proactive and taking control of our own lives "in spite of the whiteman's blah, blah, blah," and raising healthy (emotionally, physically, intellectuallty) children, with a deep appreciation of our history and culture, is our only responsbility - not perpetuating the "whiteman's extermination/assimilation mindset.
28813198Big Thorpe 21 said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 2:12 PM
Its better than nothing!
28810191Maurice said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 2:56 AM
FREEDOM FOR LEONARD PELTIER !
28795629Anonymous said on Saturday, Sep 5 at 11:12 PM
Apple and cookie maskots proclaim tribal alleaters pretend all is well from white house. Indian reservation status or ward of the government maybe it should have been pie in the sky and milk with coco no sugar pictures please hollywood patient that. Wrong location for any serious view of true horizon.
28791513Little Bear said on Saturday, Sep 5 at 9:06 PM
Is Obama government the same as our Canadian Government? Our aboriginal & Grassroots peoples in North America are endangered peoples, I do Solemly swear by having the feeling of our existence of the future that,The people in Power has not changed much in 5oo years .Our Polictical Prisoners are still caged in your Prison,s, Leonard Peltier ,has been discriminated by the Super Power Government of the World, others have been set free . Why must our people continue to suffer "Freedom",4 LP.
28788284Wanbli said on Saturday, Sep 5 at 1:15 AM
I think that it would be wise with an open mind to see the DVD called the Obama Deception by Alex Jones and to start educated yourself of this structure of this most burtal murderious empire in the history of the human race. Also, it would be wise to read Paulo Friere book called Pedaggogy of the Oppress, if you are going to be a true leader to articulate the genocide of our soveriegn nations and the lost of our resorces and treaty land base. To speak as a leader without Red Truth is stupid.
28760398Reignbow said on Friday, Sep 4 at 9:18 PM
I believe that this a good. Obama is trying to reach the nations big, small, medium, and all. This is a start for Native American and other cultures. He understand that we need as much support as any other culture.
28754297What? said on Friday, Sep 4 at 8:22 PM
It's sad to see all the anger posted here. Things are not perfect. But do you think there would be a picture like this during the Bush years?
28752738two feathers said on Friday, Sep 4 at 8:03 PM
Great picture. In l866 would anybody have fortold that President Obama would be hosting a party for a bunch of Indians. It's just a matter of time.
28752171wildhog said on Friday, Sep 4 at 4:54 PM
It is good to see an elder being recognized this way. It doesn't where the skins are from because they are representing all of Indian country.
28745661EagleStar said on Friday, Sep 4 at 4:48 PM
I put my support & faith in President Obama & the staff he has chosen. This is a step in the right direction. Now, it is up to us to establish priorites. The list is long, but if our heart is in the right place we can make a dent in that list....
28745347Mz Doubtfire said on Friday, Sep 4 at 4:33 PM
If Obama wants to identify and address the needs of Indian Country first: he needs to attend the meetings. Who cares if there are over 1000 in attendance? Our treaties and executive orders are still ALIVE and IN EFFECT! Each tribe has unique issues that are equally important. Priorities for land based tribes won't be the same for landless tribes. Obama and tribal leaders need to honor the treaties that are in place.
28744621Wanbli said on Friday, Sep 4 at 2:19 PM
It's time for our people to go to our spiritual leaders and demand them to unite against this empire, if our childern, tradition, spirituality and culture will exsistense authentically and free. Other wise its all make believe, it white nationalist veterans pow-wows! It's all theater for our white nationalist oppressors, that hate life and loves death. This is their white history and greed is their false christian god that has stolen their souls from knowing the "Truth" that will set them free!
28737719Wanbli said on Friday, Sep 4 at 2:04 PM
These BIA and IRA wanablee sell-outs do not speak for the people that are being culturally, spiritually, exsterminated by this empire and them. They will not liberated the people from the U.S. systematic oppression because they have become the oppressors of their own people. The President, will not be informed of the historical reality of U.S. policies that keeps our nation un-free and destory our tradition famlies because these corrupt leaders profit by it-as our red families are exsterminated!
28736823Yvette said on Friday, Sep 4 at 1:34 PM
The above comments show part of the attitude which slows our inter-tribal unity. Right out of the gate is the negativity; 'token Indian', 'no major press', 'Obama is a liar', 'forked tongue', and blah, blah, blah. Who among you get everything perfect the first time? I'm 1/2, and I've lived my entire life with the best and the worst from both the Indian, and the White worlds. My message is if you don't like something, work in an effective manner to change it. Any moron can gripe.
28735206arezzer said on Friday, Sep 4 at 12:41 PM
Each tribe is a sovereign nation. They should all be represented. That is life.
28732236ejchanging said on Friday, Sep 4 at 12:30 PM
At less it is a start. This is just the begining. There was no begining before. If not one but more to come.
28731474nobody' friend said on Friday, Sep 4 at 11:24 AM
the pictures says it all--a senior type looking 'indian'. this is real throw back stuff. for my money, i want a modern day full blood, preferably with an advanced degree, aware of rez problems and how the us govt interferes with rez business, like its all hot air, or speaks with fork tongue.
28727706Mike George said on Friday, Sep 4 at 10:19 AM
There’s 564 recognized tribes, if two representatives were invited from each tribe that would be 1128 people wanting a one on one with the President. He had to pick a cross section to be effective. The people need to come together on their own, prioritize their objectives and present them to President Mr. Obama during future meetings.
28723734Evelyn said on Friday, Sep 4 at 9:17 AM
The White House is keeping Native affairs way too sheltered.
28719929tamia said on Friday, Sep 4 at 8:45 AM
Obama is a liar puppet and is very dangerous one to natives of America.. just read the speech and the comments of native chief Russell Means and watch youtbe " Russell Means says Obama Indian policy is to disolve tribes "
28718331Nathan Wright said on Friday, Sep 4 at 8:38 AM
SD grouch, do you know all the people who attended this meeting? What gives you the right to call someone "token?" Do yo think your more Indian that the rest of them? Keep a closed mind and you will continue to miss many opportunities for yourself and your people. Nixon did help the people, but our people who were protesting (Wounded Knee, BIA etc) were the ones who got Nixon's attention. We are the ones who need to rise, we need to stop depending on others for help.
28718011SD grouch said on Friday, Sep 4 at 7:51 AM
A half-a**ed mtg. w/ govt. functionaries only (aka tokens), in which only a few leaders were invited, no major press coverage, and no transcripts of what was said or other pertinent info. Now that is change I can believe. It is obvious to me unfortunately) that Pres. Obama is not going to do anything important for Indian Country. To my ignorant mind govt. to govt. suggests that he should have been there. Can Nixon come back & help like he did for Natives in the 70's.
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