'State of Indian Nations' Speech Reflects on Past Year, Looks to Future
Feature Story by civilrights.org staff - 2/14/2005
The president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) shared his "vision of hundreds of powerful Indian tribes governing their own affairs and enriching the lives of their own citizens" at the third annual State of the Indian Nations address on February 3.
Tex G. Hall, president of NCAI, discussed the accomplishments and hopes of the American Indian community one day after the President of the United States delivered his State of the Union address. This was Hall's last speech as NCAI president.
"Today...I am here to share a bold vision with you," he said. "A vision of hundreds of Indian tribes protecting the future of our children, of our families, and of our elderly. We have been able to make strides towards this vision through our collective efforts and the strength of our Indian values."
Hall commended efforts and successes of the American Indian community from last year. Despite a notoriously low voter turnout in the Indian community in November, he said, 2004 saw the highest level of participation by Native Americans in the election process. Also, income levels rose, poverty levels dropped, and overcrowded housing within Indian communities was reduced.
Hall also addressed conditions within Indian Country that are still not up to par.
While economic growth improved overall, unemployment among Indians continued to be twice that of the rest of the United States population. Also, Indian Country does not receive sufficient funding from Congress to give its people equal education or health care, Hall said.
Native American communities do not have the resources necessary to contribute in protecting the country from terrorism and protecting their own people from violence, he said. He also took time to recognize and thank loved ones overseas.
In response to problems of economic development, security, education, and health care, Hall called on Congress and the President to provide enough funding to fulfill the federal trust responsibility.
Even in the face of many challenges, Hall ended the address with a message of hope.
"Today Indian Country is moving forward and in the right direction," Hall said. "Our governments are stronger, more vocal and more visible than ever before. We do not shy away from any challenges. Nor do we rest on our successes. We have faced the worst that could be thrown at us and survived. We will ensure that future tribal governments will become stronger."
