Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission to conduct educational session for staff to discuss the United States treaty obligations and trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives

DATE : Wednesday, September 24, 2014

TIME : 12:00 noon – 1:15 p.m., Brown Bag Lunch

LOCATION : 2456 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

 
PURPOSE

The United States relationship with Sovereign tribal nations in the 21st Century has not evolved to what our ancestors envisioned when treaties between these great nations were first negotiated, signed and ratified beginning in 1778. Peace and friendship are the most commonly used phrases in the language of Indian treaties and the honesty and friendship we thought was created with the treaties has been challenged and ignored throughout the history of this country. Despite the permanent reference language that the treaties will live throughout perpetuity, the budget cuts, unfunded mandates and the broken promises of the United States document how they have been dishonored. This was not the agreement between our great nations and not the promises made between great leaders. As the trustee for tribes, the United States must honor the treaties and abide by the U.S. Constitution.

BACKGROUND

Today there are 565 federally-recognized tribes and 356 who are seeking this status. These promises were made in treaties in return for the tribes giving up most of their traditional homelands. They are still legally binding upon which the United States Article VI of the U.S. Constitution reads:

“All treaties made, or shall be made, under the authority of the United States shall be the supreme law of the land and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution of laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.”

 

· To RSVP for this educational session contact Stratton Edwards, Counsel, Congressman Tom Cole, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

· If you have questions regarding the subject matter for this educational session contact Justin Parker, Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Advisor, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (360) 704-0554