Political Quotes

“Mr. President, each November, we recognize National Native American Heritage Month to celebrate the heritage and culture of the great nations that originally inhabited this country. During this month, we should reflect on the numerous achievements made over the previous year. Each day, individuals and organizations across Indian Country continually tackle tough issues and strive to make significant impacts for their people and tribes. It is these efforts that show the strength and vitality of Indian Country. This year, across the Nation, Native American movements have unified and rallied the Native voice on several important issues to Indian County. Thousands of individuals have come together on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to share their views on environmental protections, treaty rights and the use of a racial slur by a professional sports league. A grassroots movement in South Dakota also spurred voters living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to get out the vote and approve the change of their county name from Shannon County to Oglala Lakota County. These actions reflect a positive drive in the Native community; a drive that tribal, local, State and Federal Governments cannot simply ignore. As sovereign nations, tribes have the ability to empower and govern their own people. Native American leaders in South Dakota and across the country have recognized that preserving their culture is vital to future growth and success.…”