WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than a thousand miles from residence, Oklahoma tribal leaders discovered themselves in Washington this week as tribes from each nook of the United States assembled in a single room to listen to President Biden ship new commitments on co-stewardship of federal lands and waters, implementation of the Indian Energy Purchase, and rather more.
Joseph Byrd, chairman of the Quapaw Tribe, headquartered in far northeastern Oklahoma, mentioned the state’s personal Indian Country was represented nicely, with tribal leaders from the east to the west of the state experiencing the summit collectively.
“When you’re sitting in that room, with representation of 574 tribal nations across the country. It’s… extremely powerful. I would go ahead and say it’s a synergy, not an energy but a synergy in the room, of this commitment by the Biden-Harris administration. It can’t really be depicted through video,” Byrd mentioned.
The White House Tribal Nations Summit was created by the Obama administration in 2009, however delivered to a halt when the Trump administration took workplace in 2017. The administration of President Joe Biden pledged its dedication to reviving the occasion, however attributable to restrictions introduced on by the Coronavirus pandemic, was restricted to internet hosting final 12 months’s summit nearly.
This 12 months’s occasion marked the primary time in six years the tribes had the chance to attend in individual.
The occasion was held Wednesday and Thursday at the Department of the Interior. This 12 months’s panelists mentioned subjects equivalent to psychological well being and well being fairness, financial growth, tribal homeland initiatives and local weather and clear power.
“We’re talking about improving the health and welfare of our tribal citizens, ensuring public safety and really advancing our tribal economies, and, in this administration, they’re not just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk,” Byrd mentioned.
Byrd mentioned that is the primary time he’s been capable of attend a summit.
“The collaboration that I’m witnessing this week and the partnership through government-to-government relationships with all tribal nations, it’s quite an impactful experience for myself personally,” Byrd mentioned.
Craig Harper, chief of the Peoria Nation of Oklahoma, headquartered in Miami, Oklahoma, credited the optimistic impression the occasion left on him to Deb Haaland, secretary of the Department of Interior, and the nation’s first Native American chosen as a cupboard secretary.
“Secretary Haaland’s commitment to put this call out to Indian Country, to the federally recognized tribes, that spoke volumes to me,” Harper mentioned.
Tribal dance performances have been scheduled each days of the occasion.
“Even in the midst of government, we still took time to remember culture. That means a lot to me. I believe that is from the lead of Secretary Haaland. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with her,” Harper mentioned.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the group individually throughout Wednesday’s session. They made a number of bulletins, together with new funding commitments for the Indian Health Service, and the relocation of 11 tribal communities which can be at danger attributable to climate-related environmental threats, together with coastal erosion, sea-level rise and excessive climate occasions.
“To have President Biden make an appearance for us, for me and Peoria that confirms that the Department of Interior, under Secretary Haaland, that she has the support from this administration to do the things they promise. A lot of times our heart is in the right place, but without the support from different administrations, you know, it’s executed differently,” Harper mentioned.
Reggie Wassana, governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, headquartered in Concho, Oklahoma, mentioned the dedication he sees within the present administration is unmatched.
“This administration has been more dedicated and open to the needs of tribal nations than any we’ve seen before. Even the Department of Interior being run by a Native American female is a big and major step in helping the tribes solve a lot of their land issues, and a lot of their conservation issues.”
Wassana mentioned the presence of Biden and Harris meant quite a bit to the tribal leaders who attended..
“It’s not too often that the president and vice president of the United States will come to a tribal event and actually address the tribal nations,” he mentioned.
“It’s a historic thing when you have both heads of the government saying they are committed to the tribe’s efforts, it gives us a lot of energy,” Wassana mentioned.
Byrd mentioned he’ll be taking among the president’s phrases residence with him as he travels again to Oklahoma.
“During President Biden’s speech, he said what we need is commitment, not compliance. And I love that. I wrote it down. The commitment, not the compliance… in Indian Country, and in Oklahoma, that speaks to us,” Byrd mentioned.
Gaylord News is a reporting mission of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For extra tales by Gaylord News go to GaylordNews.net.
submit credit score to Source link