Discussion focused on addressing education, housing, and economic development on Indian lands

Washington, D.C.  - Fulfilling the United States’ trust responsibilities to tribal nations, educating Indian students, and enacting legislation that builds more prosperous Indian communities were the topics of a forum attended yesterday by 18 American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian leaders from across the country at the invitation of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee (DSOC). U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Chair of the DSOC and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chairwoman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, hosted the meeting.

Today’s meeting was a great opportunity to discuss ways we can strengthen economic opportunity in Indian Country,” said Sen. Begich. “It was an honor to be joined by so many great Tribal Leaders, including a Native Alaskan. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians must have a strong voice in shaping the policies that affect their communities, and I’m looking forward to highlighting some great ideas I heard here today on education, access to health in rural communities, and job-training as a member of the Indian Affairs Committee.”

Senate Democrats stressed their commitment to providing more economic opportunity for Native Americans, ensuring more adequate access to health care, and highlighted the provisions of the recently reauthorized Violence Against Women Act that help protect victims of domestic violence in Indian Country.

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PHOTOS: Steering Meeting with Tribal Leaders