Obama says he supports strong and stable tribal governments built through self-determination.


Rob Capriccioso




This landmark Q&A—submitted and answered in written form—is the first installment in a series of interviews ICTMN will be conducting this election season with federal, state, local and tribal officials.


























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jaydokie's picture
Submitted by jaydokie on
Excellent article. President Obama has done more for Indian Country than any other past administration. Great strides and many more to be made if he is successful in his reelection bid. Tribal and individual Indians have been treated and dealt with as the sovereign nations we are.

willie's picture
Submitted by willie on
With 229 federally recognized tribes, approximately 40% nationally, located in Alaska and Native lands owned by ANCSA corporations, it is critical the White House play a critical role in fixing the "Venetie" Supreme Court case to bring Indian Country status back to Alaska's tribes so that we can be in line with the rest of Indian Country nationally in our efforts to exercise our inherent right of self-government.

tmsyr11's picture
Submitted by tmsyr11 on
THere would lots of wonderful things to accomplish if there were federal dollars to provide to Indian Tribes. As it stands now, the United States and it's Federal Government has a debt according as follows: U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK The Outstanding Public Debt as of 05 Oct 2012 at 01:27:32 AM GMT i The estimated population of the United States is 313,626,037 so each citizen's share of this debt is $51,519.26. The National Debt has continued to increase an average of $3.90 billion per day since September 28, 2007! Where/How in the $3.9 BILLION are even 'some' of these fashioned-tailored promises going to come from? The federal dollars have to come from some-where if the Indian Tribes ARE NOT ALREADY GIVING federal dollars back! According to another news story (just out today), "The Navajo Nation has returned about $63.1 million in federal funding to the federal government since 2008". If American Indian Tribes are to stand proudly and cherish 'sovereignty', then tribal members have to hold their elected tribal representatives accountable. Did you look at the photo-op and see who is standing with Obama? He has some-what of a history which is only being re-told in countless tribal governments. If some who identify with indian tribes, honor 'sovereignty', then why are YOU letting politicians as Elizabeth Warren dictate to you the definition of American Indian. The federal money has to come from some-where, and if this President can't provide completed responses based on factual truths with out the use of tele-promptors or questions given beforehand, then the only other option is Mr. Romney! Try doing a GOOGLE advanced search of "Barack Obama and American Indians" "2008 - 2010"and seeing what comes back. Some instances and events, but lots of stories/articles of those same instances. Barack Obama can't provide to you what YOUR indian government isn't getting done.

softbreeze's picture
Submitted by softbreeze on
President Obama has and continues to demonstrate genuine respect for the Original Peoples of Turtle Island. He seems to really get it, that we are Human Beings, worthy of the dignities, rights, and freedoms of all Human Beings. He understands the tragic and devastating history between our Ancestors and the European immigrants. Given that Manifest Destiny is a part of Latter Day Saint Church doctrine, I don't believe we would receive the same support or understanding from Candidate Romney. I believe that President Obama's support of American Indians is a strong indicator of not only what kind of President he is, but also waht kind of man he is. A president could ignore the least visible demographic in America today, and probably suffer little in regards to their political career. The fact that President Obama has embraced American Indians, out of his belief in doing what's right, demonstrates in a larger sense, where his heart is for all Americans. He cares about doing what's right for people and families today. He puts that before everything else. I believe Candidate Romney would put his ideologies before the well-being of the most vulnerable of Americans. I think his 47% comment is a strong indication of this. President Obama conducted himself like a gentleman during the debate this past Thursday. He addressed Americans like we are intelligent, and backed up his positions with detail, and explanations. He did not act like the debate was a verbal boxing match. He showed respect for Candidate Romney. I think this also illustrates his character as a man who demonstrates respect for others. Thank you, President Obama, for all you do for Indian Country, and for remembering and caring about every American.

zelbe1's picture
Submitted by zelbe1 on
The goal here isn't to GET anything from a president whether its Obama or Romney. The goal here is to first recognize tribal peoples as the first Americans, something most Americans are clueless or intentionally perpetuate ignorance of, then do not stand in the way of tribes being economically, socially and politically included on issues that involve Indian country. Conservatives range from outright bigoted to patronizing foes that deny sovereign status and keep indian nations from prospering, yet, want their hands in every dime a tribe prospers. Obama at least courts and addresses native peoples. When will Romney or Republicans come to Indian country or the reservations to see first hand the people whom sacrificed lands and their "way of life" so he could become a CEO and live the American dream? The Obamas have visited natives.

madalynparrish's picture
Submitted by madalynparrish on
Obama actually treats everyone with dignity and respect. Romney seems to stick his nose up at Native Americans, gays, Mexican immigrants and anyone who doesn't seem to fit in his 'class'. He really disgusts me and I don't see how any minority could want to vote for him or his conservative brotherhood, especially if you're Indian or gay, and yet I've seen it. I honestly don't know what's wrong with such people.