NTEC
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A Tribal Leaders Forum Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance in a New Era Dates: Location:
A new Administration and a newly-constituted Congress present both opportunity and challenge for tribal leaders. Tribal leaders have the opportunity to participate in the development of federal policies that will truly foster economic growth and support the full scope of governance in Indian Country. Tribes and their leaders also must meet the challenge of assuring that new tribal initiatives are well understood, effectively implemented The composition of transition teams and the appointments that have been announced thus far suggest that tribal leaders will have allies in the new Administration who understand Indian Country, who are aware of the contours of past initiatives that have failed to accomplish their objectives, and who recognize the need for innovative thinking and strategies for strengthening the exercise of tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Never before have tribal governments been better prepared to develop strategies for economic success and the growth of healthy Native communities in which our families have access to quality health care, to decent, safe and affordable housing, and our children are afforded the educational opportunities that will enable them to realize their highest aspirations. As leaders, we need only to come together to reflect on the past and anticipate what potential the future can hold if we seize upon the opportunities and meet the challenges that await our active involvement. We need to continue to formulate policies and press for the enactment of laws that will assist us in protecting our cultures, preserving our native languages, honoring our traditional ways, and that also facilitate our ability to participate effectively and successfully in the global economy, as well as remove the obstacles to our growth and evolution as Native people. [see announcements under News Flash for full details ]
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