Sam Lambert and Ernest Panther, both EBCI tribal members and members of the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 color guard, help open the USET Impact Week meeting in Washington, DC on Monday, Feb. 9. (LYNNE HARLAN/EBCI Public Relations photos)
WASHINGTON – The United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) 2015 Impact Week is filled with activities for its Tribal leadership and attendees. Attendees at Impact Week should expect to have many learning opportunities, activities, and events to network and renew efforts to promote and protect the inherent sovereign authority of Tribal nations according to USET President Brian Patterson. In his opening remarks to Tribal leaders, President Patterson stated, “Throughout the week, we will collectively be providing education and advocacy to members of Congress and the Administration regarding the many issues that are critical to our ability to be self-determining.”
During this week, USET’s Board of Directors will receive an overview of the 2015 agenda for the White House Domestic Policy Counsel and Public Engagement and Generation Indigenous Initiatives, updates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service, Justice, Indian Education, Veterans Affairs, and hold discussion on youth initiatives. USET Tribal leadership will also visit with members of Congress this week to discuss issues ranging from finding a Carcieri Fix, economic development, taxation, trust modernization, Indian budget, climate change, Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) reauthorization, and Indian Education.
Principal Chief Michell Hicks, Teen Miss Cherokee Madison Long, Miss Cherokee Taylor Wilnoty, and Vice Chairman Bill Taylor are shown at the opening of the USET Impact Week on Monday.
Impact Week includes a Capitol Hill reception with members of Congress and cultural activities. USET member tribes will take a moment to reflect and remember former Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Chairman Buffalo Tiger, who was one of the founding leaders of USET.
Involvement of Tribal youth and future leadership development is also a major focus this week. Students from various USET member Tribes are in Washington, DC to attend the Tribal Youth Summit. The week of activities is supported by USET and the Close-Up Foundation, who work in partnership to bring an enriching and empowering experience for USET Tribal youth.
President Patterson said the week should be dedicated to honoring and continuing the legacy of Tribal leaders like Chairman Tiger and many others who have created a strong path for Tribes to foster great American Indian leadership. “We have a real responsibility to help our younger generations develop their leadership abilities, strengthen their minds, and instill a strong spirit in their hearts to help Indian Country prosper. When we look at the accomplishments of past leaders, like Chairman Tiger, we should be inspired to help all of these young Tribal leaders realize all of their dreams,” Patterson stated to USET’s Board of Directors during opening ceremonies.
The USET Impact week is taking place this week through Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Marriott Crystal Gateway and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
– USET
