Friday November 6, 2009, 6:58 am
HERE IS THE ARTICLE:

"Only in America could the adoptive son of Crow Indians grow up to be president of the United States."

President Obama spoke those words this morning, in reaching out to Native Americans at the start of a White House Tribal Nations Conference

"I'm on your side," he told the gathering with representatives of 564 federally recognized tribes. "I know what it means to feel ignored and forgotten and what it means to struggle."

The president assured Indian Country that "you will not be forgotten as long as I'm in this White House."

Actually, the daylong conference was taking place at the Department of the Interior, but the tribal leaders understood and cheered Mr. Obama's efforts to allay their concerns that this was just another song-and-dance from the federal government designed to quell their outrage after decades of unfulfilled treaties and broken promises.

"Now I want to be clear about this," said Mr. Obama, "today's summit is not lip service. We're not going to go through the motions and pay tribute to one another and then furl up the flags and go our separate ways."

He said the conference is part of a "lasting conversation that's crucial to our shared future."

But what Mr. Obama's opening assertion that he's the adoptive son of Crow Indians?

He reminded tribal leaders that during the 2008 presidential campaign, he visited a Montana reservation and was adopted as an honorary member of the tribe.

"I like my new name: Barack Black Eagle," then-candidate Obama declared.

It was there that he promised to host an annual summit with tribal leaders and end an era of deceitful federal treatment of Native Americans.

"I promised you we'd host this conference to develop an agenda that works for your communities – because I believe Washington can't and shouldn't dictate a policy agenda for Indian country."

The president signed a memorandum giving every Cabinet agency 90 days to come up with a plan for closer consultations with and accommodations of Native Americans.

After his remarks, the Q&A session produced more complaints and appeals than questions. One after another, tribal leaders asked for new and improved federal assistance to help Indian Country deal with the problems of education, health care, pollution, land confiscations dating back a hundred years and other conditions that have befallen Native Americans.

"Working together," Mr. Obama told the gathering, "we're gonna make sure that the first Americans along with all Americans get the opportunities you deserve."

Friday November 6, 2009, 8:15 am
I got to see some of that on line. He was there lisitening It will be something he is working on as with many other problems. But people are getting a little antsy. Patience. Patience,Patience

Thanks Kat

Friday November 6, 2009, 8:38 am
Thanks Kat. What a breath of fresh air. I feel optimistic about this.

Friday November 6, 2009, 8:48 am
Thannxxx.. Obama is a definitely a leader when it comes to pleasing a rainbow nation... giving of himself to all tribes and races... Am so pleased that he is promoting the cause of the Native Americans...

Friday November 6, 2009, 8:56 am
I hope that he is sincere, beyond the moment. There are two statements he makes which have become flags for me, "Let me be clear about this...", and "I'm gonna." These two prefaces seem not to bode well. But, I too will try to feel optimistic. It is so past due, respect and recompense for the People.

Friday November 6, 2009, 10:04 am
I really, really hope this is going to happen! Way overdue! Obama has so much on his plate now. I n my opinion, no matter what anyones opinion of Obama is, we need to pray for him to take this country in the right directions on everything. It is crucial at this point.
Thanks Kat

Friday November 6, 2009, 10:52 am
Now, will he free the US's most famous political prisoner, Leonard Peltier?

Friday November 6, 2009, 12:00 pm
i hope he sure does help them the need ot and i he fres leonard peltoer

Friday November 6, 2009, 12:12 pm
Time will tell if he speaks true words....I pray it is so and not more false hope......

Friday November 6, 2009, 12:45 pm
it is about time

Friday November 6, 2009, 1:30 pm
More talk

Friday November 6, 2009, 2:38 pm
Before I get too excited I will wait to see what happens. Too many promises for too many years that have never been fulfilled.

Friday November 6, 2009, 3:51 pm
I agree with those that have said we will wait and see... =)

Friday November 6, 2009, 3:54 pm
There are though many things he cannot correct sad to say and one is the lands stolen from us....

Big Gorilly Hygs

Friday November 6, 2009, 5:53 pm
Thank you Kat. I pray for the best!

Saturday November 7, 2009, 9:09 am
Thanks Kat

Saturday November 7, 2009, 12:39 pm
Thank you, Kat, for this article. White House recogition is long overdue. Thank you also for giving the gist o the article to us.

Saturday November 7, 2009, 1:27 pm
Yes but does he speak with forked tongue. We shall see.