WASHINGTON –
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne formally swore in Carl Artman as
the department’s new Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs on April 18, 2007.
“Carl’s extensive work with
tribal governments, his work in the private sector, his legal training, his
passion for Indian Country, his intensity as well as his experience in the
executive and legislative branches of the U.S. Government prepare him well for
this new responsibility,” Kempthorne said at a headquarters’ ceremony attended
by tribal leaders and Artman’s family and friends.
“In his new position, Carl will find ample
opportunities to put his legal training, professional experience and
considerable abilities to good use as we address such key issues, such as tribal
self-government, law-enforcement, education and economic
development,” Kempthorne said.
Artman, 42, who
had been the department’s associate solicitor for Indian Affairs since February
2006, said it was a great honor to be the new Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs. “I share Secretary Kempthorne’s view that we must continue moving
forward on tribal self-determination,” Artman said. “All of us working together
can accomplish great things, and I will do my best to provide Indian Affairs
with the necessary leadership to help tribes achieve their
goals.”
An enrolled member of
the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, Artman has also served as the Tribe’s chief
counsel, managing its legal affairs and providing legal guidance for tribal-wide
reorganization and economic development. Artman’s nomination by President Bush
was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 5, 2007.
Leaders and elders of the Oneida Tribe of Indians
of Wisconsin joined the ceremony and tribal members performed an honoring
blessing for the new Assistant Secretary. The Oneida Nation Veterans provided
the color guard for the Flag Presentation; and a group of Oneida Tribal School
teachers and students also participated.
Contents
Bureau News
More About Interior