AQUINNAH, Mass. – Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) was recently an invited guest of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama at a holiday reception. The event was held Dec. 14, in the East Wing of the White House. The chairwoman met the president and first lady and was able to exchange pleasantries.

“It was an extraordinary experience,” Andrews-Maltais said. “I was so proud and deeply honored to be invited and to have [the tribe] recognized, as well as memorialized as being a formal guest of the president and first lady at the White House.”

Along with senators, members of congress, local politicians, philanthropists, business executives, educators, and activists, Andrews-Maltais was one of only four tribal leaders invited. Guests are invited to the reception to acknowledge their contributions and recognize their efforts within their government, business, or community. The chairwoman’s invitation was extended at the behest of Director of Domestic Intergovernmental Affairs
Jodi Gillette.

While enjoying the honor and privilege of being a guest at the White House, Andrews-Maltais further hopes that this recognition signifies positive intergovernmental relations in the future.