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From: Patricia Gunter <>
Subject: [MIXED-BLOODS] 40 tribal leaders meet,promote Nat'l unity AZ
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 14:10:46 -0700 (PDT)


June 15, 2003

40 tribal leaders meet, promote national unity

By LINDSEY COLLOM
The Arizona Republic


More than 40 leaders of Native American tribes met Saturday in Phoenix
to discuss national unity and strengthen relations between tribes and
the state.


The talks were a precursor to the midyear session of the National
Congress of American Indians that begins today. Under the session title
of "One Voice for Change," leaders stressed the importance of tribal
unification at a time when Congress wants to diminish tribal power.

"We need to recognize the real enemy is gaining. . . . We are strong as
native nations, but we are stronger together," organization President
Tex G. Hall said.

Before roundtable discussions ensued, several presenters spoke about the
plight of native people due to inadequate funding and weak voices in
Congress. Rachel Joseph, chairwoman of Indian Health Affairs, said that
from 1984 to present, federal money has not matched rising health care
costs.

"Every time we lose $100 million, we lose 365,000 outpatient visits and
$115,000 in dental services," Joseph said. "Unless money is infused into
the budget, the epidemics and disease we see will continue to escalate."

The rest of the week will focus on "Exercising Sovereignty - Providing
Leadership." It's a sovereignty that is threatened, Navajo Nation
President Joe Shirley Jr. said.

"Our ability and power to control our land and resources, maintain and
practice our religion, protect and educate our children and preserve and
express our unique and beautiful culture stems from the sacrifices that
our forefathers, our elders and our medicine people endured for our
continued survival," Shirley said. "We owe it to them to continue that
legacy."

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Copyright 2003, azcentral.com

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