Indian Leader draws on Native Pride, Calls for Strengthening Tribal Governance, Lays out Indian Country Priorities for New Congress
WASHINGTON—January 25, 2007—In the fifth annual State of Indian Nations Address at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Joe A.Garcia asked Indian Nations to speak with one voice and take pride in the work they are doing; drawing on cultures, traditions and ancient teachings, to ensure a thriving Indian Country is left for the seventh generation.
Text of speech
Archived video
FY 2008 Indian Country Budget Request
“Indian Country is made up of everyday warriors and leaders who are part of a modern day Native renaissance where Native pride runs deep through strong tribal governance and flourishing cultures,” said Garcia in his address on the current State of Indian Nations. "We are making educational and economic strides that are beginning to close the gap between Native people and our non-native neighbors.”
Garcia said he gets guidance from the legacy of one of the great leaders from Pueblo Country, Po’pay.
“Just as Po’pay helped unify Indian Nations in Pueblo Country to make possible a greater future, I wish to see Indian Country come together as ‘many tribes with one voice’ to promote progress for our people,” he said.
Garcia layed out Indian Country’s role on the global stage, called for strengthening tribal governance, encouraged expanded tribal economic development and set Indian Country’s agenda for the 110th Congress.
He said this year’s priorities for Indian Country are strengthening tribal governance,public safety, health, economic development, education and natural resources.
Excerpts from the Address:
Strengthening Tribal Governance
“As tribes take on more responsibilities, we find that we need to improve the way our tribal governments function. Today tribes are governments with budgets and responsibilities comparable to state governments, and we have become much more self-sufficient than we were in the past. As I traveled the country this past year, I heard from many tribal leaders about their efforts to improve the effectiveness of their governments.
Too often tribes are saddled with federally-imposed models of governance that do not fit our traditions and cultures. It is time to address the barriers caused by these mismatched governments.”
Public Safety
“Improved governance will also help us do a better job of meeting basic needs such as public safety. Tribal leaders are particularly concerned about the escalating threats related to drug trafficking and border security in Indian country and the ongoing shortage of law enforcement, tribal courts, and detention centers to address these rising demands.
Indian Country lacks the resources needed to protect Indian people and that, my friends and colleagues, is unacceptable.”
Health
“I commend Senator Byron Dorgan, the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, who is working on legislation to increase clinic hours and doctor availability on reservations and encourage more low-cost health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
But the battle from last year is still underway. When we win it, we will see the Indian health care system brought into the 21st century to address matters at the heart of family and community life: mental health, substance abuse, youth suicide, and the challenge of attracting and retaining health care professionals of the first rank.”
Economic Development
“Many of the federal policies that impact tribal economic development were put into place at a time when tribal governments did not have the capacity that we have today. These policies need to be revisited and tribal governments need to be given the same tools for economic development that exist for other governments.
We need clear policies of respect and support for tribal regulatory authority and self-governance. We need improved telecommunications penetration and consistent tax code treatment of tribal government pension plans. We need access to bond financing to the same extent that it is available to state and local governments. And we need to make sure that tribal governments are included in their rightful place in the national streamline sales tax agreement.”
Education
"Education is the foundation for building strong, independent nations. Our youth are the future of our nations and it is critical that we prepare them to govern and to hold these distinguished roles. Our nations must be equipped with the resources needed to ensure that Native children are given the same opportunities in education that are afforded to their non-Native peers."
Natural Resources
“Tribes want to play our part in lessening our nation’s dependence on foreign oil through renewable energy sources. We must also have support from the federal government that will enable us to be good energy partners for America.
I call upon Congress to adopt legislation that will create a Production Tax Incentive that will allow Indian tribes to develop alternative energy sources in an economically feasible manner.
Tribes are a natural player in this process. We are the original stewards of the environment and our natural resources.”
Click here for text of the complete 2007 State of Indian Nations Address. The address will also be available for online viewing for 30 days at our website, www.ncai.org.
