"What a surprising blow to Indian Country. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., announced he will not seek another term as senator. As chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, he has put much of his focus on areas of improving Indian health care, housing, education and public services to tribal communities.

In his most previous letter to the Dunseith community regarding poverty, he addressed the the many issues the American Indian population was facing because of past treaty obligations — which are not being honored by the U.S. government. He acknowledged the work he has done on the economic recovery package, which included an substantial investment for Indian Country.

The senator also acknowledged the Pembina Land Commission when it was formed a year ago. Since the senator addressed issues in the areas of oil exploration for American Indians, we thought working in collaboration with his office would be the right thing to do. We are monitoring oil activity and assisting Turtle Mountain landowners with their issues. Dorgan, meanwhile, has and will continue to help, I’m sure, in this area till his last day in office."

Get the Story:
Delvin Cree: Dorgan's exit will affect Indian Country (The Grand Forks Herald 1/8)
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