The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

June 26, 2013

For Immediate Release

Executive Order -- Establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs | The White House

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to promote and sustain prosperous and resilient Native American tribal governments, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. The United States recognizes a government-to-government relationship, as well as a unique legal and political relationship, with federally recognized tribes. This relationship is set forth in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, statutes, Executive Orders, administrative rules and regulations, and judicial decisions. Honoring these relationships and respecting the sovereignty of tribal nations is critical to advancing tribal self-determination and prosperity.

As we work together to forge a brighter future for all Americans, we cannot ignore a history of mistreatment and destructive policies that have hurt tribal communities. The United States seeks to continue restoring and healing relations with Native Americans and to strengthen its partnership with tribal governments, for our more recent history demonstrates that tribal self-determination -- the ability of tribal governments to determine how to build and sustain their own communities -- is necessary for successful and prospering communities. We further recognize that restoring tribal lands through appropriate means helps foster tribal self-determination... DOWNLOAD PDF.

Big Supreme Court Win for Rincon Band

by Michael Gardner, June 27, 2011 (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

SACRAMENTO — The U.S. Supreme Court Monday sided with a North San Diego County Indian tribe that had challenged the state’s bid to exact money from casinos in return for permission to add slot machines.

The court, without comment, declined to hear an appeal of an earlier 9th Circuit Court of Appeal ruling in 2008 that declared the assessment illegal.

The decision is a big win for gaming tribes that had claimed former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s demands for money in return for gambling expansions amounted to an illegal tax.

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians led the court challenge...READ THE SAN DIEGO U-T NEWS ARTICLE.

FEATURE JOURNALISM

U.S. ARMY STAFF SARGENT Conrad Begaye, Navajo, receives the Silver Star in recognition for his leadership and valor during an enemy ambush Nov. 9, 2007, in Nuristan Province.