Apology resolution back before the Senate
NCAI’s Hall praises Brownback for sponsoring it
WASHINGTON DC
Native American Times 4/20/2005
A few words can go along way-and the head of the National Congress of American Indians is praising a Kansas Republican for reintroducing the United States Apology Resolution.
Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) put the measure to the floor of the Senate, joined by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The language is the same resolution that passed the out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs last year and specifically addresses the Trail of Tears, the Long Walk, the Wounded Knee Massacre, Assimilation and Termination policies and asks President Bush to "bring healing to this land" by acknowledging the government's offensive history.
“Once again I want to let everyone in America know that Indian Country has a friend and advocate in Senator Sam Brownback,” said NCAI President Tex Hall. “It has been his vision to push Congress to begin taking the steps to right the wrongs committed against our people and nations in the past centuries. I want to also praise Senators Byron Dorgan and Christopher Dodd for stepping in and joining this fight. This is a great moment and while the Senate Resolution does not come with compensation, it is a meaningful start for fixing what is wrong. The fact that Congress is even considering an official policy to Indian Country is a testament to our growing political strength.”
The apology generated controversy when Brownback first introduced it last year. At the time it was co-sponsored by Hawaii Democrat Daniel Inouye Colorado Republican Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
“It is the right first step," NCAI Treasurer Ron Allen said at the time. "However, we have a long way to go. Indian people are still being left behind in this country.”
Chickasaw Nation Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel said that until monetary issues are addressed, a resolution is simply "words on paper.”
“This resolution recognizes and honors the importance of Native Americans to this land and to our nation – in the past and today – and offers an official apology to the Native peoples for the poor and painful past choices our government sometimes made to disregard its solemn word,” Brownback said. “This is a resolution of apology and a resolution of reconciliation. It is a first step toward healing the wounds that have divided us for so long – a potential foundation for a new era of positive relations between Tribal governments and the federal government. It is past time for us to heal our land of division, and bring us together as one people.”
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Last updated on April 21, 2005