Audio Clip
Jewell Promises
www.indian.senate.gov
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell pledged to protect tribes' sovereignty.
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell made a tearful promise to American Indians on Thursday. Jewell plans to help resolve past injustices against tribes.
Jewell told a group of 300 delegates of the National Congress of American Indians she will work “nation-to-nation” to protect tribes’ sovereignty and help them become more economically independent. She spoke about her personal experience with tribal communities near her hometown Seattle.
"The federal government does not have a proud legacy when it comes to upholding our promises," Jewell said. "I can’t reverse all of that in a four year period of time but I can make important progress."
Jewell also spoke about the importance of managing natural resources on Native land and expressed her concern over what she called an “embarrassing” backlog of needed repairs at tribal schools.
The gathering in Reno, Nev., gave Jewell a standing ovation.
Secretary Sally Jewell speaks to NCAI Mid Year Conference
