Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor addresses the National Congress of American Indians on February 14, 2022.

Connor’s work includes oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, whose record in Indian Country has been negative, both historically and more recently, most notably with the illegal operation of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Connor spoke during NCAI’s executive council winter session, which took place virtually due to COVID-19. He took questions from participants following his remarks.

“We want to do more work in Indian Country. We want to improve relationships,” said Connor, who is a citizen of the Pueblo of Taos, a federally recognized tribe in New Mexico.

Serving as moderator of the discussion is Chairman Mark Macarro of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. He is the recently-elected Vice President of NCAI.

Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, is addressing National Congress of American Indians for 1st time in new position.

Connor oversees Dakota Access Pipeline, whose final portion at Standing Rock is operating illegally. #NCAIECWS2022 @NCAI1944 #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/xakQk6xMag

— indianz.com (@indianz) February 14, 2022

“We want to do more work in Indian Country. We want to improve relationships,” Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, tells National Congress of American Indians.

Acknowledges past controversy but doesn't directly address #NoDAPL.@NCAI1944 #NCAIECWS2022 pic.twitter.com/Y6dReP5MCi

— indianz.com (@indianz) February 14, 2022

National Congress of American Indians hosts winter meeting (February 14, 2022)