10 NOVEMBER 15,2012
Smoke Signals
November is Native American Heritage Month
By Dean Rhodes
Smoke Stgnuli etltlar
President Iiarack Obama pro
claimed November as National
Native American Heritage Month
on Nov. 1.
His annual proclamation read:
"As the first people to live on
the land we all cherish, American
Indians and Alaska Natives have
profoundly shaped our country's
character and our cultural heri
tage. Today, Native Americans
are leaders in every aspect of our
society from the classroom, to
the board room, to the battlefield.
This month, we celebrate and honor
the many ways American Indians
and Alaska Natives have enriched
our nation, and we renew our com
mitment to respecting each Tribe's
identity while ensuring equal op
portunity to pursue the American
dream.
"In paying tribute to Native
American achievements, we must
also acknowledge the parts of our
shared history that have been
marred by violence and tragic mis
treatment. For centuries, Native
Americans faced cruelty, injustice
and broken promises. As we work
together to forge a brighter future,
we cannot shy away from the dif
ficult aspects of our past. That is
why, in 2009, 1 signed a bipartisan
resolution that finally recognized
the sad and painful chapters in
our shared history. My administra
tion remains dedicated to writing
a new chapter in that history by
strengthening our government-to-government
relationship with
Tribal nations while enhancing
Tribal sovereignty and Tribal self
determination. "Because we know that the best
ideas for Tribal nations come from
within, my administration has con
tinued to engage Tribal leaders in
developing an agenda that respects
their expertise on matters affecting
American Indians and Alaska Na
tives. In collaboration with Tribal
nations, we are making critical
investments to improve health and
education services, create jobs and
strengthen Tribal economies. In
July, I was proud to sign the Help
ing Expedite and Advance Tribal
FowinidattDOin) seeks
Native WWDD vets
The Oregon World War II Memorial Foundation is seeking Native
veterans of that conflict to appear in a video to increase the visibility
of the foundation and help raise funds for establishing the memorial
on the grounds of the State Capitol.
Native World War II veterans interested in appearing in the video
should contact Foundation Board President Lou Jaffe at 503-310-7904
about available filming dates in Salem at Allied Video Produc
tions, 2121 Front St. N.E. D
Homeownership Act into law,
which will enhance Tribal control
over the leasing of Indian lands.
Last December, I signed an execu
tive order to expand educational
opportunities for Native American
students. It aims to preserve Native
languages, cultures and histories
while offering a competitive educa
tion that prepares young people to
succeed in college and careers. And
under the Tribal Law and Order
Act and the Safe Indian Commu
nities initiative, we are continuing
to work with Tribes to build safer
communities. My administration
also supports the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indig
enous Peoples.
"Many longstanding Native
American legal claims against the
United States have been resolved,
which help accelerate the restora
tion of trust in our relationships
with Tribal nations. The settle
ments that came out of these claims
including the historic Cobell and
Keepseagle settlements, as well as
more than 50 settlements in cases
alleging federal mismanagement
of Tribal trust funds and resources
will put an end to decades of
litigation and help drive economic
development in Tribal communities
in the years to come.
"In partnership with Tribal na
tions, my administration has ad
dressed injustices and built new
avenues for American Indian and
Alaska Natives. As we celebrate
National Native American Heri
tage Month, let us move forward in
the spirit of mutual understanding
and mutual trust, confident that
our challenges can be met and that
our shared future is bright."
Obama also called on all Ameri
cans to commemorate the month
with appropriate programs and
activities, and to celebrate Friday,
Nov. 23, as Native American Heri
tage Day. D
New Oregon tuition waiver
House Bill 3471-Tuition Waiver Bill is a law that gives "tuition waivers"
to current and former foster youth for Oregon community college and pub
lic universities. This program begins with the 2012-13 academic year.
Requirements: All current foster and former foster youth who have
spent at least 365 days in substitute care after age 16, AND either left
foster care (had wardship terminated) or completed high schoolGED
within the previous three years qualify for this program.
Application process: Students must submit their FAFSA (www.
fafsa.gov) as soon as possible! DHS and ICW will send a list of eligible
students to the Oregon Student Access Commission for prioritization of
an Oregon Opportunity Grant.
The school of attendance will be notified of eligible students attending
their institution and notify the student of the tuition waiver amount.
There is no separate application or steps for students to apply other
than submitting their FAFSA.
For more information, contact your ILP worker or the Tribal Scholar
ship Office at 1-800-422-0232, ext. 1345. O
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