January 29, 2010

Washington, D.C. –Nevada Senator Harry Reid today released the following statement on President Jefferson Keel’s State of Indian Nations Address to the National Congress of American Indians:

“In his first annual address to the National Congress of American Indians today, President Keel offers an important road map of how to put Native communities, and the nation as a whole, on the path to lasting prosperity.

“Our efforts to put Americans back to work must include policies to address the staggering rates of unemployment among Native Americans which stands at above 50 percent on many Indian reservations and in Alaska Native villages.

“Last year, Senate Democrats committed ourselves to making sure that tribes are at the policymaking table when we develop national policies. Investments in the Recovery Act are already showing promising job growth.  As we developed the health insurance reform bill, having tribes at the table was critical to ensuring the underfunded Indian healthcare delivery system was protected and enhanced.

“I am honored to represent the people of Nevada, including every one of its 27 Indian Nations. These resilient and strong communities show us that when Congress allows tribes to more effectively meet the needs of their citizens, the whole country benefits. I remain committed to leading the Senate in collaboration with President Obama and tribal leaders to make sure that we continue the progress of the past year into a new decade.”