Presidential candidate receives tribal advice (Dean)

[Khephra]

Presidential candidate receives tribal advice
Dean learns about economic and health crises in Indian country

PHOENIX - Arizona Indian leaders told Democratic candidate Howard Dean that future presidents of the United States should be prepared to have American Indians at their side as advisors and enter into consultation on a sovereign-to-sovereign basis.

Fort Mohave Chairperson Nora McDowell told Dean that it is not good enough to have a Native advisory committee. If elected president, McDowell said Dean should have an Indian advisor seated next to him at the White House.

Urging Dean to protect the sovereignty of Indian tribes rather than erode it, McDowell said, "We are not a special interest group, we are nations."

McDowell, president of the Inter-tribal Council of Arizona, said the voices of Indian tribes must be heard by creating seats for representation in Congress and at the United Nations.

"We have to have a seat at the table," McDowell told Dean, as he met with tribal leaders, attorneys and representatives of Gov. Janet Napolitano at the Inter-tribal Council of Arizona on Sept. 5.

more.............

http://www.indiancountry.com/?1063726980

[Hawkeye-X]

1. Wonder if Campbell would be pressured

to turn back to Dem because of this action if Dean is elected?

Ben "Nightmare" Nighthorse-Campbell who is American Indian..

He brings shame to the Indians.

[LuminousX]

2. Interesting Idea

That Dean, and all the Democratic candidates should honestly consider.

They aren't asking for veto power or an equal say, but an advisorship. Why not ask the Native American nations to submit to Washington an ambassador and send one to them. Why not consult with them as the U.S. would consult with Canada or any other nation?