I was so proud to represent AIANTA (American Indian Alaska Native Tourism) at NCAI's mid-year conference here in Milwaukee. It is about introducing America's first people to the world! The conference theme, "Native Resources, Tribal Culture and Economic Development" is the appropriate springboard for discussing tribal sovereignty! Think about it - sovereignty is not a gift from the state or a privilege from Congress!!! Tribal sovereignty is a gift from the creator. It is inherent in each one of us when we are born and as our ancestor's fought and died for it so we are blessed.
I also got to see many AIANTA friends and tribal leader friends! Mike Metoxen, Rich Figueroa, Ja Doxtator, Margo Gray-Proctor, Deana Jackson, Lori Winfree - the list goes on and on and on and on.....
I forgot to mention that before I came here to Milwaukee, I stopped off in Washington, DC for a night because I had a meeting at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. We met with Leroy Gishi, from BIA/Transportation, to discuss the accomplishments as well as the future for AIANTA! We also recognized the BIA's efforts and support with a gift of an art print from the Enough Good People project. I hope to report their continued support in the future!
Working in Indian Country is such a challenge but it is truly rewarding to work alongside such wonderful people!
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