The air in Washington D.C. was thick with anticipation and hope in the days leading up to the inauguration of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. Among the thousands descending upon the nation’s capital were Native people from across the country, drawn by the promise of a new era and the belief that, finally, Indian Country would have a voice in the White House. This article delves into the significant presence and expectations of these tribal nations during this historic event, particularly focusing on the eleven tribes participating in President Obama inaugural parade.
The inauguration was not merely a political transition; it was a symbolic turning point, a moment where centuries of marginalization and neglect could potentially give way to recognition and partnership. This hope was palpable in the events planned around the inauguration, including a grand powwow and an American Indian Inaugural Ball, both designed to celebrate Native American heritage and contributions to the nation.
A Historic Level of Engagement
Joe Garcia, president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), a seasoned tribal leader with nearly four decades of experience, underscored the unprecedented level of engagement between tribal leaders and the incoming Obama administration. He stated that there had been more discussions and face-to-face meetings with Obama and his team than with all the presidents of the previous four decades combined. This sentiment resonated throughout Indian Country, fostering a sense that, for the first time in generations, the concerns and needs of Native communities would be genuinely heard and addressed at the highest levels of government.
Celebration and Strategy
The American Indian Society of Washington, D.C., played a crucial role in welcoming the influx of Native visitors. The Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel became a hub of activity, filled with the rhythmic pulse of drums, the soaring melodies of traditional songs, and the vibrant energy of dancers. Simultaneously, some 400 tribal leaders convened for an all-day meeting, demonstrating the serious intent behind the celebratory atmosphere.
The focus of this meeting was strategic. Tribal leaders dedicated their time to dissecting federal policy and meticulously examining budget concerns. A primary objective was to ensure the inclusion of Native communities in President-elect Obama’s economic stimulus plan. They understood that this plan represented a critical opportunity to address long-standing economic disparities and invest in the future of their nations.
Nedra Darling, spokesperson for the American Indian Society, articulated the significance of the moment. She emphasized that the gathering was not just a celebration of a new president, but also a testament to the resilience of Native tribes. Despite historical challenges and systemic barriers, they were "still here," a vibrant and enduring presence in the American landscape. People had travelled from distant states such as North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, driven by the hope that this inauguration would mark a genuine turning point.
Hope for Change
Shoshone Tribal Chairman Ivan Posey of Wyoming, along with members of his tribe, prepared to march in the inaugural parade, their participation a symbol of their confidence in Obama’s leadership. Posey voiced the aspirations of many, expressing hope for "bigger and better things that will help people of color." This encompassed a broad vision of progress, encompassing economic development, social justice, and the preservation of cultural identity.
Chairman Mark McCarro of the Pechanga Band in California echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency for change within Indian Country. He described the previous eight years as a period of being "in the wilderness," a time when Native issues were largely ignored by the Bush administration. McCarro stressed that there was a collective desire for tangible, positive change, viewing the inauguration as a long-overdue opportunity. This feeling of urgency underscored the profound challenges facing many tribal communities, from poverty and unemployment to inadequate healthcare and infrastructure.
Addressing Backlogs and Building Relationships
Nicole Hallingstad, vice president of Sealaska Corp. in Juneau, Alaska, travelled to Washington D.C. with a dual purpose: to foster fellowship among tribes and to engage with federal lawmakers on a specific land deal that could return approximately 85,000 acres to Alaskan Natives. This land deal represented a crucial step towards rectifying historical injustices and empowering Alaskan Native communities.
Hallingstad expressed confidence that the Obama administration was "quite serious about its relationship with indigenous people," a sentiment based on initial indications and commitments. She emphasized the need to address the numerous "backlogs" that had accumulated during the previous administration, signaling a desire for immediate action on pressing issues.
Economic Recovery and Tribal Inclusion
Native members of the Obama transition team – Wizipan Garriott, Keith Harper, Yvette Robideaux, and John Echohawk – played a key role in facilitating communication between the incoming administration and tribal leaders. They addressed the tribal strategy meeting at the Hyatt, focusing on economic development backlogs and the importance of Native inclusion in the national economic recovery plan. While specific details of the plan remained undisclosed, the transition team urged tribal leaders to maintain contact with the Obama administration, ensuring that their voices continued to be heard as the plan evolved.
David Gipp, president of the United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota, underscored the critical need for tribal inclusion in the economic recovery effort. He argued that "Indian Country has to be a part of this effort if we’re ever going to come out of the huge depression we’ve been in, in some cases almost centuries." Gipp’s words highlighted the deeply entrenched economic challenges facing many Native communities and the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Economic Stimulus Proposals
Tribal leaders across the nation had already begun submitting economic stimulus proposals to the Obama team, outlining their specific needs and presenting "shovel-ready" projects that could quickly stimulate faltering tribal economies. These proposals covered a wide range of priorities, reflecting the diverse challenges and opportunities facing different tribal nations.
Rodney Bordeaux, chairman of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, emphasized the importance of proactive engagement. He stressed that tribal leaders needed to "push" for their inclusion in the stimulus plan, ensuring that they maintained "a seat at the table." Bordeaux cautioned that if they did not actively advocate for their needs, they could easily be overlooked.
Many tribes focused their stimulus proposals on addressing basic infrastructure needs within their communities, such as the construction of new healthcare facilities, the improvement of roads, and the development of improved water supply systems. These projects were seen as essential for improving the quality of life for tribal members and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Brings Plenty of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota submitted a nearly $70 million stimulus plan, reflecting the dire needs of his reservation, which is home to one of the poorest counties in the United States.
The Urgent Need for Clean Water
While job creation was a critical priority, Brings Plenty emphasized an even more fundamental need: clean, uncontaminated water. He explained that heavy metals were being dumped into the water supply, directly impacting the health of his community and contributing to a high incidence of rare cancers. Funding for a water project was therefore deemed essential for the well-being of his people.
Healthcare, Roads, and Public Safety
Tribal Chairman Carl Venne of the Crow Nation in Montana highlighted healthcare, roads, and public safety as his tribe’s top stimulus priorities. He painted a stark picture of decline, stating that "everything has been going downhill over the years," and that "they’ve forgotten about Indians." Venne emphasized the disparity between the national unemployment rate and the soaring unemployment rates on reservations, underscoring the severity of the economic crisis facing many Native communities.
Despite these challenges, the Crow Nation planned to participate in the inaugural parade with a display of cultural pride and resilience, showcasing their heritage through traditional attire and equestrian skills.
Restoring Treaties and Building Trust
Tribal Chairman Amen Sheridan of the Omaha Tribe in Nebraska expressed hope that Obama would work to "restore some of the treaties" that had been historically violated or ignored. He believed that the inauguration presented an opportunity to ensure that these treaties were acknowledged and upheld, ultimately benefiting Indian Country.
However, some remained cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the complexities of addressing long-standing issues and the potential gap between campaign promises and actual policy changes.
Former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Colorado Republican and a seasoned observer of presidential inaugurations, noted that "every candidate makes a lot of promises," and that some of Obama’s promises to Indian Country might be difficult to achieve. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that Obama’s "heart is in the right place" and that he would strive to improve conditions for Native communities.
Garcia, the president of the NCAI, highlighted the importance of listening and engagement, noting that the Obama administration had demonstrated a willingness to listen to the concerns of tribal leaders. He emphasized that this willingness to listen was crucial for understanding the challenges facing Native communities and for developing effective solutions.
Garcia concluded by emphasizing the significance of the Native presence in Washington D.C., viewing it as a sign that "our people are tuned in, and have bought into and support Obama’s effort." He reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between tribal nations and the Obama administration, emphasizing the potential for a new era of nation-to-nation partnerships. The eleven tribes participating in President Obama inaugural parade, and many more beyond that, hoped that this new beginning would usher in a period of genuine progress and lasting change for Indian Country. The participation of eleven tribes participating in President Obama inaugural parade served as a beacon of hope and a powerful statement of resilience. The commitment of eleven tribes participating in President Obama inaugural parade demonstrated the importance of this moment in history. The stories of these eleven tribes participating in President Obama inaugural parade remain a testament to the enduring spirit of Native American communities.