CNC: Indian Country reflects on major year and looks to the future

Monday, January 3, 2011  

"Indian Country is pondering its legislative future under a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and increased GOP numbers in the Senate while celebrating major victories in 2010.

“What’s good for us, it has always been a stabilizing factor, that there has not been anything that has moved forward specifically for Indian Country, that has not required support from both sides,” said Jacqueline Johnson Pata, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., a member of the Chickasaw Nation, said Native Americans need not be worried. “The tribes have done such a good job at working both sides of the aisle and identifying friends that I think, from a sovereignty standpoint, we are going to be fine,” Cole said.

Still, tribal leaders say they have fared well under Democratic leadership in Congress and President Barack Obama in the White House.

“Here’s a person who really gets it, who really understands the relationship, and what sovereignty really means,” said National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel. “And in those pledges that he made to the tribal nations, he’s keeping his word.”"

Get the Story:
Indian Country Wins Big in 2010 (Capitol News Connection 12/31)