The following assertion was launched right now on Indigenous Peoples’ Day by the performing chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, David Z. Bean:
Honoring Truth, History, and the Strength of Our People
Today, the Indian Gaming Association joins tribal nations throughout the nation in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to honor fact, resilience, and the enduring sovereignty of our Native peoples.
This day is just not about rewriting historical past. It is about telling it proper. Our ancestors have been by no means misplaced or found. Long earlier than Columbus misplaced his approach throughout the ocean, our folks have been thriving, governing, and constructing robust nations throughout this land. Indigenous peoples have at all times formed what grew to become this nation, via medication, agriculture, governance, and repair. The democratic beliefs that helped body the U.S. Constitution have been impressed, partially, by Native methods of presidency such because the Iroquois Confederacy.
Even in occasions when this nation denied our rights, Native women and men stepped ahead to defend it, serving within the navy at 5 occasions the nationwide common. That is the truest measure of braveness, love, and dedication to this homeland.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us that the energy of this nation comes not from hiding its historical past, however from going through it with honesty. Our story is just not one in all defeat; it’s one in all survival, unity, and resilience.
As we honor our ancestors, we additionally carry ahead the imaginative and prescient and energy of the late Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., whose management embodied the spirit of today. Chairman Stevens reminded us that unity amongst tribal nations is our biggest energy, and that after we stand collectively, we elevate not solely our folks however the way forward for all generations. His legacy continues to information the Indian Gaming Association as we transfer ahead with willpower and religion in who we’re as sovereign nations.
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Moving Forward Together, we do not forget that the story of Native folks is just not one in all defeat, it’s one in all survival and energy. Tribal nations proceed to construct a greater future for our kids and for all communities round us. On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, allow us to keep in mind the teachings of our ancestors and the values they taught us: respect, unity, and steadiness. Let today remind us that when historical past is instructed in truth, it may possibly heal and produce us nearer collectively as a nation.
Let today be a name to study, to pay attention, and to know. When we inform the complete story, our story, we create a stronger and extra united nation.
Today and every single day, we stand in honor of the primary peoples of this land.
We keep in mind the sacrifices, have fun the resilience, and proceed the work to make sure that the reality of our historical past and the facility of our sovereignty endure for generations to come back.
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