Here's an interesting and fun story from the LA Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/05/obamaindians.html

During this important and historical election, we've heard little about Indian nations. I don't know if other candidates have discussed issues of importance to the country's 557 federally recognized Tribes (located in 35 states), but I do know that Obama has. Today he visited the Crow Tribe of the Apsaalooke Nation in Montana, which held a rally that included a ceremony adopting Obama as an honorary member of the Tribe. Also, Tribal officials formally endorsed Obama for president.

Obama was given the Crow name Awe Koota Bilxpaak Kooxshiiwiash, which means "He Who Helps All People of the Land."  I think it's quite an appropriate name.

Here are some terrific photos from the rally on the reservation:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157605149373497/

And more photos:

http://www.billingsgazette.net/m/gallery/2008/05/20/obamacrow/obamacrow1.html

Learn more about the Crow Tribe here:

http://www.crowtribe.com/

I was personally touched by this event and the honor bestowed on Obama by the Tribe. I've been working with Indian Tribes for several years, and I know how deep the feelings run, how fragile the government-to-government relationship can be between the US and the Tribal governments. Many issues of high importance to the Tribes have been backburnered by Congress for too long. I look forward to Obama taking a stronger stand on Indian affairs and warming up the government-to-government relationships. Issues relating to health care, land and other government trust responsibilites to the Tribes can no longer wait for Congress to get around to them.

Obama has promised to personally meet annually with Tribal leaders and to improve services of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I also hope he gives needed attention to the Indian Health Service, which provides health care to more than 1.5 million members of the federally recognized Tribes and is a major responsibility of the US government to the Tribes.

I've learned so much working with the Tribes. Sadly, one thing I've learned is how invisible Tribal people are to most of us in the country. Unless you live in the West, particularly in the Southwest, most US citizens don't encounter Tribal people in the course of day-to-day life. I hope that Obama's committment to Indian people will also help to raise awareness of Indian issues so the proud nations will no longer be invisible to so many of us.