"Most of the discussions about American Indians are stuck on the controversy of the day, disputes that might involve fish, natural resources or gambling. But tribal citizens and their governments have an important place in the national story -- one worth exploring from time to time.

Last week, Tex Hall, president of the National Congress of American Indians, delivered a "State of Indian Nations" address in Washington, D.C. "In many ways," Hall said, "tribal governments are exactly like state and municipal governments -- providing critical services to citizens and helping shape a community's value system."

How could 562 tribal governments better serve their constituents? Hall proposed clear, solid measures that could improve lives on reservations."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Tools to govern (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 2/7)

Relevant Documents:
State of Indian Nations Address | FY 2006 Tribal Budget Request

Listen to the Speech:
Real Audio | Windows Media

From the Indianz.Com Archive:
State of Indian Nations 2004 | State of Indian Nations 2003

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