WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) and its Chairman, Ernie Stevens, Jr., commended the Biden-Harris administration for hosting the fourth and final White House Tribal Nations Summit. The landmark event underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening nation-to-nation relationships with tribal nations and its historic progress in supporting Native communities across the United States.
At the summit, President Biden announced pivotal actions, including the designation of the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School as a national monument. The initiative acknowledges and honors the experiences of the thousands of Native children affected by the federal Indian boarding school system, which persisted for over 150 years. The monument poignantly serves as a reminder of historical injustices and contributes to an ongoing effort to promote healing within Indigenous communities.
“Today’s summit exemplifies the Biden-Harris administration’s deep respect for tribal nations and its commitment to addressing historical injustices,” said Stevens. “The establishment of the Carlisle National Monument and the efforts to revitalize Native languages, alongside the administration’s dedication to promoting tribal sovereignty and self-determination, mark significant steps toward healing and progress for our communities.”
The summit featured a diverse lineup of speakers, highlighting the administration’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determination with a ceremonial opening and remarks by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
The gathering also included the panel Investing in Indian Country, which included Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation John Podesta; Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk; Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Andrea Palm; Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River Indian Community; and Chairwoman Stephanie Bryan, Poarch Creek Band of Indians. Liz Molle-Carr, Tribal Advisor to the Office of Management and Budget Director, moderated the discussions.
The tribal leaders also heard remarks from Tom Perez, the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Director, White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland then moderated a panel on Strengthening the Nation-to-Nation Relationship, which included the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality Brenda Mallory, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Cherokee Nation and Chairwoman Erica Pinto, Jamul Indian Village.
The event also included a preview of consultation training videos and cultural performances. It culminated in remarks from President Joe Biden, closing reflections, and Secretary Haaland’s retirement of the colors.
The Biden-Harris administration also unveiled its comprehensive 2024 Progress Report for Tribal Nations, highlighting an unprecedented $45 billion in investments made to uplift Indian Country since taking office. These funds have catalyzed transformative changes in infrastructure, healthcare access, education, and efforts to rectify systemic injustices faced by Native communities.
“As we reflect on the progress made during this administration, we recognize the critical importance of continued dialogue and partnership between tribal nations and the federal government,” said Stevens.