Tribal, federal officials gather in NM to discuss protecting American Indians’ civil rights
By Susan Montoya Bryan, APWednesday, August 11, 2010
American Indians’ civil rights focus of gathering
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — About 300 tribal officials and representatives of several federal agencies are in New Mexico for what they’re calling a first-of-its-kind discussion about protecting American Indians’ civil rights.
Those at the two-day conference in Albuquerque say American Indians have made strides but continue to face discrimination when it comes to education, religion, voting rights and housing.
The U.S. Department of Education’s general counsel, Charlie Rose, says the conference is an important step in meeting the directives President Barack Obama set last fall when he asked all federal agencies to consult with tribes in the hope of building a better relationship.
Rose says he’s optimistic that when the key players sit down and listen to each other, they will develop a better understanding of the problems faced across Indian Country.
