Tribal Chief Beverly Cook Represents the SRMT at the 2016 White House Tribal Nations Conference– “Representing people in the government-to-government relationship is a tremendous honor and responsibility…”

Washington, DC- September 26^th, representing the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Tribal Chief Beverly Cook attended the White House Tribal Nations Conference in Washington, DC, which marked the eighth and final Tribal Nations Conference during the Obama Administration.   Each of the 567 federally recognized Tribes were invited to send one representative to the Tribal Nations Conference that took place on Monday at the Nation’s Capital.  Chief Cook was able to network with government officials as well as members of the White House Council on Native American Affairs.

Chief Cook expressed her gratitude in an SRMT News Release as she stated, “Representing people in the government-to-government relationship is a tremendous honor and responsibility.  Under the Obama Administration, we’ve strengthened the voice of Indian Country.  I’m humbled by the strength of our people when we come together as one. Our people are resilient, we are powerful and I’m grateful our Native youth are included in this event.  The path we take, they will follow.”

Ahead of the White House Tribal Nations Conference, the White House released the 2015 Tribal Nations Conference Progress Report entitled, Building Prosperous & Resilient Tribal Nations.  This report identifies all progress made in regards to tribal relationship strengthening, as well as other milestone achievements during the Obama Administration.  The need for meaningful consultation during federal, state, or private infrastructure development was highlighted in this report.  “While we cannot undo the pain and tragedy of the past, we can set out together to forge a brighter future of progress and hope across Indian Country and the entire American landscape,” stated President Obama.  The full report can be downloaded at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/08/15/building-prosperous-resilient-tribal-nations.

During the time Chief Cook spent at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, concurrently Chief Eric Thompson met with members of Congress to advocate for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s legislative priorities, which included: environmental justice and improved border passage for Akwesasronon.  Chief Thompson stated in an SRMT News Release that, “The Obama Administration’s annual White House Tribal Nations Conference is evidence of the strength of tribe’s collective voices.  During this final event, we anticipate the President to reflect on progress made, but to also emphasize imperative concerns that resonate throughout Indian Country, especially concerning meaningful input into a flawed federal consultation process highlighted by the recent protests surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline.”

Recently, Chief Ron LaFrance and Sub-Chief Cheryl Jacobs traveled to the Standing Rock Sioux Territory to carry the message of solidarity and support from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe for their fight against the Dakota Access pipeline.  The Dakota Access Pipeline is a multi-billion dollar project that plans to install a 1,172 mile, 30” diameter, pipeline that will connect the rapidly expanding Bakken and Three Forks production areas from North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois.  This underground pipeline plans to enable domestically produced crude oil from North Dakota directly to major refining markets.

The pipeline will span through four states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois; transporting approximately 470,000 – 570,000 barrels per day.  Energy Transfer, the company backing this multi-billion dollar project boasts that “Protecting landowner interests and the local environment is a top priority of the Dakota Access Pipeline project,” but have yet failed to meet with Tribal entities affected by this project.  The route desecrates sacred tribal lands, and is potentially an environmental disaster of epic proportions.

An account of this conference and meeting will be shared with tribal members at the SRMT Monthly Tribal Meeting, to be held at the Community Building October 1^st, 2016, at 10:00am.  The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe encourages all Tribal Members to attend their monthly meetings.  If you are unable to do so, you may request to listen to the recorded meetings at the Tribal Clerk’s office during regular business hours.

BY: Ohseraseia:hawi