WASHINGTON – Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) welcomed Vice Chief Larry Blythe to a meeting hosted by the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee on Wednesday, March 20. Sen. Hagan invited Vice Chief Blythe to attend the meeting, which brought together Senators and American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian leaders to discuss how the federal government can better fulfill responsibilities to tribal nations, properly educate Indian students and foster an economically conducive environment for businesses on tribal lands.
Vice Chief Larry Blythe and Sen. Kay Hagan are shown at a meeting of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in Washington on Wednesday, March 20. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Hagan’s office)
“Maintaining a healthy dialogue with American Indian leaders is crucial to making sure we are doing everything we can in Washington to help Indian tribal communities in North Carolina, and I invited Vice Chief Larry Blythe to today’s meeting so that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation would have a seat at the table,” said Sen. Hagan. “I am very pleased that Vice Chief Blythe was able to share his insights and I am confident that, with his help, we can find solutions to the problems facing our Indian tribal communities. I am committed to keeping the promises we have made to these communities and to bringing a better future to North Carolina Native Americans.”
Vice Chief Blythe commented, “It is an honor to join Senator Hagan and to represent the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation here in Washington. With this meeting, I hope to arm our representation in Washington with the knowledge they need to find creative solutions to the problems our communities are facing. It is imperative that our leaders do everything they can to make sure our tribal lands are places where our children can be properly educated and businesses can thrive and employ our people.”
Topics discussed at length during the meeting included education, health care and economic development on Indian lands. The Senators in attendance stressed their commitment to passing legislation that will offer economic opportunity for Native Americans.
– Sen. Hagan’s office
