Native American Group Urges President Obama to Continue Administration’s Policy of Consultation, Protection of Sovereignty
WASHINGTON, DC (January 22, 2013) – Following President Obama’s second inauguration earlier this week, the Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) extends its warmest congratulations to the president and urges him to continue his administration’s policy of government-to-government consultation on issues which may impact tribal sovereignty. During President Obama’s first term, great advances were made on native issues and on behalf of all Native Americans.
“Throughout his first four years in office, President Obama has affirmed tribes’ undisputed rights of
self-governance and self-determination,” said Barry Brandon, Executive Director of NAFSA. “President
Obama has been a true champion for Indian country and NAFSA looks forward to a continued alliance
with the president as he serves out his second term.”
During his second inaugural address,
President Obama stated, “Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and
protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune. Through it all, we have never
relinquished our skepticism of central authority, nor have we succumbed to the fiction that all
society’s ills can be cured through government alone.”
President Obama’s first term in office saw extraordinary advancement of Native Americans’ key
concerns as well as historic investments in Indian country. Among his many accomplishments on behalf
of native populations is the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included more than
$3 billion in direct funding for Indian Country, spurring job creation in tribal communities and
assisting the renovation of schools on reservations.
In partnership with tribal nations, NAFSA
urges President Obama to continue making critical investments to health and education services,
generating jobs, and strengthening tribal economies. Working with tribal leaders, NAFSA will closely
monitor President Obama’s work on native issues and will contribute to the public dialogue as
necessary and appropriate.
About NAFSA
The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA)
formed in 2012 to advocate for Native American sovereign rights and enable tribes to offer
responsible online lending products. Through the protection of consumer rights and sovereign
immunity, NAFSA provides vital services to tribally operated lenders serving the under-banked with
better short term financial services, furthering economic development opportunities in Indian
Country.
