Brad Carson: “Recognition by the Nation's schools of the unique role that Native Americans have played in American history, culture…”

“Recognition by the Nation's schools of the unique role that Native Americans have played in American history, culture and education is long overdue. In 1994, President Clinton invited all of the tribal leaders in America to the White House, and it was the first such gathering since the Presidency of James Monroe in the 1820s. Similarly, President Clinton was the first President, in 1999, to visit Indian country since Franklin Delano Roosevelt did more than 50 years earlier. Native Americans have played integral roles in the history and culture of the United States, ranging from Maria Tall Chief from my own congressional district who was the muse of George Balanchine to contemporary novelists like Louise Erdrich, N. Scott Momaday, and James Welch. The gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) eloquently spoke of the contribution to our national security of the Navajo code talkers whose contributions to our Nation have only recently been recognized.”