| |
|
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
|
|
Tribe's Leadership Issues Post-Election Statements with Messages of Unity
|
|
|
Juneau, AK (November 10, 2016) –
While the dust hasn’t quite settled, voters have elected our 45th United States President. Donald J. Trump won the electoral vote, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, and this particular election has left many of us weary and uncertain. With republicans now holding the power of the House, Senate, and White House, only time will unveil what this will mean and look like for Alaska tribes, Native corporations, and Indian Health Service facilities.
What have we learned from this election? There are still far too many Alaska Natives and American Indians not voting even during a time when we are all united behind Standing Rock. Let this be our call to action moving forward. We need every single tribal citizen to be engaged and participating in the election process. Statewide leadership needs to provide a strategic data driven campaign that can ensure effective mobilization efforts that happen statewide, regionally, and locally to hold our elected officials accountable.
There are many issues and challenges ahead, but it is our responsibility as indigenous people to ensure our voice remains heard and develop collective strategies to achieve this. With certainty, as a federally recognized tribe representing over 30,000 tribal citizens worldwide, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska will remain steadfast and determined to uphold the Tribe’s mission regardless of any shift in the political tide.
The Tribe’s Executive Council is committed to working with our Alaska congressional delegation and all federal and state officials to continue to protect, preserve, and advocate for our lands, waters, sovereignty, and the rights of our tribal citizens. Tlingit and Haida cultures are built on a solid foundation of respect, which also includes respect for differences. We are proud of the legacy our forefathers have built for us in the areas of self-governance, self-determination, and tribal administration, and will continue to move in this direction in a positive and proactive manner. Our people have been here since time immemorial and with each new administration we will continue to affirm our inherent sovereignty–this we know.
|
|
President Richard Peterson: "Our people are resilient. Identifying yourself as a Democrat or Republican is just a label. We are all Tlingits, Haidas, and Tsimpshians irrespective of our politics. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to defend our sovereignty and protect Haa Aaní. We must be ever hopeful and pray for ourselves, our people, our country, and our President-elect. Today is a good day for self-evaluation and for reflection on our part in the world and the role we will play in working together for a better tomorrow for our future generations."
|
|
|
|
First Vice President Rob Sanderson Jr: "The sun will rise and time will not stop for anyone. We must pull together and move forward; we have to be warriors. Let fear not consume us, but strengthen us. The sun will set and surely rise again and so will we."
|
|
|
|
Second Vice President Will Micklin: "This election is a call to action for tribal citizens, tribal leaders, and advocates to defend and enhance our inherent sovereignty, our culture, and our people. We must work effectively with any party or politician because we will always be here when others come and go. Yes, the challenge before us is seemingly great, but our elders, our ancestors, our aunties, and uncles did the same in even more difficult times, when their very lives were at risk and many paid the price in their loss of lives, families, and assets. We, too, are up to this task. Have courage everyone. We will prevail."
|
|
|
|
Third Vice President Ralph Wolfe: "There is so much uncertainty and speculation, but we need to be better than that. Change is coming, but only we can shape the future! Tomorrow will still be here. If anything let this be our call!"
|
|
|
|
Fourth Vice President Jacqueline Pata: "I
was asked many times today my thoughts on the outcome of the election and it made me think of our culture. We have always known the importance of balance, of who we are. Our clans are set up to support this balance. Indian Country’s issues are like that – they don’t fit with one party or the other. Along with balance we were taught respect. This election showed us how divided our country is – in order for us to move forward we need to listen with respect and find common ground. Indian Country can do this as we come together to share our recommendations for this next administration and congress."
|
|
|
|
Fifth Vice President Marvin Adams: "Lisa Murkowski is our re-elected Republican United States Senator. We at Central Council are very excited and pleased she will retain her current chairman position for Committee of Energy and Natural Resources."
|
|
|
|
|
Contact:
Office of the President
Raeanne Holmes, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 907.463.7368 | Email:
rholmes@ccthita-nsn.gov
|
|
|
Our Mission
“Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
