WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, highlighted the sentiments raised at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) State of Indian Nations Address.
The State of Indian Nations Address, delivered by NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, focused on Indian Country’s main policy objectives for 2016. His address recognized the progress Indian Country has made through self-determination and called for a strengthened partnership between the federal government and tribes.
“We need to replace antiquated laws and regulations with policies that trust and empower tribes to govern,” said President Cladoosby in his speech. “We need a relationship based not on paternalism and control, but on deference and support; a partnership where tribes continue to meet their own challenges and chart their own path forward.”
“I commend President Cladoosby for his leadership and his call for a better partnership between Indian Country and the United States,” said Chairman Barrasso. “As chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I am committed to strengthening the government-to-government relationship by advancing an agenda that supports tribal self-determination, boosts economic development, and improves health care and juvenile justice systems. I urge all tribes to join in those efforts in building a better future for tribal communities. ”
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