WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dan Boren introduced legislation today in the U.S. House of Representatives to proclaim an official apology from the United States Government to the Native American peoples. The legislation, H. J. Res. 46, would commend and honor Native Peoples for the thousands of years they have stewarded and protected this land, and acknowledge years of official depredations, ill-conceived policies, and the breaking of covenants by the Federal Government regarding Indian tribes.
“My congressional district has the third highest concentration of Native Americans in the country. We have a community with deep Native American roots and long standing traditions. Native American tribes are one of the greatest driving forces for economic development across my district and state, and make an immeasurable contribution to the lives of all Oklahomans.
“The U.S. government broke hundreds of treaties it made with Indian nations; these were government-to-government treaties ratified by the U.S. Senate. The impact of many U.S. policies is the source of many of the social and economic disparities that tribes face today. It is time for our nation to face these injustices and reconcile our relations with the Native Americans,” Boren added.
Boren continued, “It’s important that we acknowledge injustices such as forced removal and painful events like the Trail of Tears. While this apology doesn’t recognize the complexity of those wrongs, it’s an important step in moving forward. From my seat on the House Natural Resources Committee, I will work with Chairman Rahall and Senator Sam Brownback to see that it gets the attention it deserves.”
The resolution expressly does not authorize any funds or serve as a settlement of any claim against the United States. It is simply an apology to make right the relationship between the United States and the Native American Indians. Companion legislation was introduced this week in the U.S. Senate by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS).
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