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Swett calls for unity in State of the Tribe address |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 08 July 2010 |
Swett calls for unity in State of the Tribe address
Tue Jul 06, 2010
By Mike Hixenbaugh
Staff writer
PEMBROKE - Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett called for unity in the tribe's fight for federal recognition during his first State of the Tribe address Tuesday.
Swett focused most of his speech on increasing self-sufficiency through investments in the tribe's housing program. But at the end of his prepared remarks, which made no prior reference to federal recognition, Swett spoke for a few minutes about the tribe's efforts in Washington.
"We are at a very critical point in the whole federal recognition process," Swett said. "We must work together."
Swett's call for cooperation comes at a turbulent time in tribal politics. A month after the tribe walked away from its controversial contract with a Nevada-based gaming consultant, some tribal members are still calling for Swett and other elected tribal leaders to be recalled.
The controversy came up during recent conversations with senators, Swett said.
"They all said the distraction that has occurred down here has not been helpful," he said.
To fix that, Swett said he and other tribal leaders have been reaching out to members of the Lumbee Sovereignty Coalition and other tribal members who opposed the now voided consulting contract. Swett asked the 25 or so tribal members in attendance to focus on the common goal of winning recognition instead of disagreements.
"It's going to take all of us together working together to bring that about," Swett said.
Swett's comments on federal recognition came after prepared remarks in which he named breaking the tribe's dependence on federal money a top priority for his administration. Swett also released his budget proposal during the annual address.
Congress recognized the Lumbee tribe in 1956 but denied it financial benefits afforded to other native groups. Full recognition would bring the tribe of about 50,000 members millions of dollars in aid for education, health and child welfare. If a recognition bill doesn't clear the Senate by the end of this year, the legislative process starts over with the new Congress in January.
http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2010/07/07/1011935
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