Tribal opponents say the United States should not apologize for its policies against American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) is sponsoring a bipartisan resolution to apologize for "official depredations and ill-conceived policies" towards Native Americans. It would be the first official apology from the U.S. government.

Nicholas Mullane, first selectman for a town in Connecticut that has fought tribes on federal recognition and land issues, says the resolution isn't needed. "The basic philosophy in the United States is `Let's get on with life,'" he told The Hartford Courant.

Barbara Lindsay, the executive director of One Nation who claims Cherokee descent, agrees. "Where do we draw the line?" Lindsay told the paper. "Should the Indians who killed other Indians apologize? What about the tribes who fought for the British?"

The resolution is set to be considered by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on June 16.

Get the Story:
Indians Ask U.S. To Say `I'm Sorry' (The Hartford Courant 6/11)
pwlat

Relevant Documents:
Text of Apology Resolution [As Introduced] | Sen. Brownback Statement on Resolution | Link to S.J.RES.37

Relavent Links:
Sen. Sam Brownback - http://brownback.senate.gov

Related Stories:
Brownback says reservation visit inspired apology (05/25)
Consideration of U.S. apology resolution delayed (05/20)
Apology from U.S. requested by Kansas Senator (5/19)