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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 15, 2013)
JULY 15,2013 Smoke Signals 15 Obama White House establishes Council on Native American Affairs By Ron Karten Smoke Signals staff writer President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order on Sept. 26, 2012, establishing, at the cabinet level, the White Mouse Council on Native American Affairs. In a press conference held on June 27, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell said that the council was "another important step ad vancing Tribal self-determination and improving the quality of life for Native Americans." "With his executive order, the president reaffirmed his commit ment to Indian Country and set a precedent for future administra tions," said Tribal Council Chair man Reyn Leno. Tm pleased to see that President Obama recognizes the unique sta tus of our Tribal nations and values our government-to-government relationship. The order is a step in the right direction and will help im prove the coordination of programs and resources directed to Indian Country. While there is much to be done, this commitment provides an avenue for future engagement that will continue to benefit Indian Country for years to come." Among the members of the coun cil are secretaries from virtually every major federal department, including State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce and Veterans Affairs. It aims "to honor treaties and recognize Tribes' inherent sover eignty and right to self-government," according to the Executive Order. It "establishes a national policy to ensure that the federal govern ment engages in a true and lasting government-to-government rela tionship with federally recognized Tribes." Since 2009, Jewell said, Tribes and federal agencies have held an nual government-to-government meetings. 'This announcement is the next step. It is an outgrowth of the administration's very successful work in many different cabinet agencies," Jewell said. This execu tive order will institutionalize this relationship." The group will meet a minimum of three times a year to "improve coordination of federal programs and the use of resources available to Tribal communities." 'The President is firmly commit ted to building a nation-to-nation relationship," said Jodi Gillette, Obama's senior policy adviser for Native American Affairs. "We want to make sure all the things we've done in the last four years keep." Still, she said, "We need to do more and we need to do it better." She noted that the administra tion is promoting self-governance because it works. In response to questions from the press, Jewell said, "We won't be able to do our work without Tribal conversations. "I envision, to begin with, intro ducing the council itself. I want to make sure people understand the role. As it unfolds, to make it effec tive, we'll have to narrow focus to topical issues; bring in experts to represent the interests of Tribes. We'll find opportunities to engage the Tribal press every step of the way. We're going to be actively involved with Tribes and Tribal representatives. We want them to outline their desires firsthand with members of this council." Funding shortfalls are being re considered, she noted. "The Office of Management and Budget has a very important role in pulling together the president's budget. Tribal issues will be brought to the fore. It is very important for colleagues to know that this puts these issues on the table," Jewell said. "We cannot ignore a history of mistreatment and destructive policies that have hurt Tribal communities," said the Execu tive Order. It recognizes that self-determination "is necessary for successful and prospering communities," and that restoring Tribal lands "helps foster Tribal self-determination." B lMU mm it? mvttii If you have any questions, contact Brian Krehbiel at 503-879-4639 Ad created by George Valdez Youth Center seeks volunteers The Tina Miller Community Center Thrift Store, 110 B. St., Willamina, helps fund the after-school and weekend youth community center located in the old Willamina High School gym. The thrift store is seeking volunteers who can help run the store, in addition to donated items and customers. The store accepts clothes, books, knickknacks, etc., as donations. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Mon day. Donations also can be left at the Wildwood Hotel and Restaurant in Willamina. For more information on volunteering, call 503-876-7897. rW T- Wawa K w- v v!' - ioriaS Speaking for Children Pus CASA Court Appointed $pKt)t AJvocot t" karmfmJhe child Self-Identity . I am for the child knowing and liking themselves I am for the child having the confidence in their identity to flourish in life -i-i u.:n -.r an Aith others i am for the cniia uemy V :S about who they are and what they believe in Tribal Council member June Sherer IP . 7 To learn about participation opportunities within CTGR CASA, contact Angela Fasana at 503-879-2303 or angela.fasanagrandronde.org Ad created by George Valdez
