Political Quotes

“I would like to acknowledge for the record an individual who is being recognized as we speak over at the Library of Congress. This is Rev. Dr. Trimble Gilbert. He is 1 of 10 honorees who have been named National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts. This is an extraordinarily high honor. It is one of the Nation's highest honors in the folk and traditional arts, recognizing artistic excellence, supporting contributions to traditional arts heritage. I had an opportunity in January to travel to Anaktuvuk Pass, where Dr. Gilbert calls home, and to be able to surprise him with the news that he was getting this recognition and would receive this honor. At that time, we didn't have a date. He has now flown from Alaska to be here as part of, again, an extraordinary tribute. This is a Native leader, an elder who is a master Gwich'in fiddler and a highly esteemed culture bearer. What he brings to the conversation in the arts is deeply cultural, deeply spiritual, and with an intellectual knowledge that is so extensive, you are just humbled to be in the man's presence. As was stated in a local newspaper today, ``His life is a walking testament to the cultural values, practices, traditions, and knowledge of the Gwich'in people.'' So I am proud to be able to acknowledge the fine work of Rev. Dr. Trimble Gilbert of Arctic Village--I said Anaktuvuk; it is Arctic Village--and also to be able to offer him my personal congratulations this evening. I yield the floor.…”