Native Americans

During Monday’s State of the Union address President Obama laid out his Blueprint for an America Built to Last (PDF) based on an economy that works for everyone, based on American manufacturing, American energy and skills for American workers. Included within the President’s blueprint is the following initiatives that benefit Indian Country.

November is Native American Heritage Month. As we begin our celebration of the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to our nation, the White House is preparing to host its third White House Tribal Nations Conference.

Today, Jefferson Keel, president of National Congress of American Indians and lieutenant governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, delivered the "State of Indian Nation's" address, calling for “a new era in U.S. tribal relations defined by optimism and economic opportunity.”

President Obama signed into law this morning the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Addressing his remarks to the gay men and women currently serving in the military, he said: “For a long time your service has demanded a particular kind of sacrifice. You’ve been asked to carry the added burden of secrecy and isolation."