Kansas governor apologizes for state's mistreatment of tribes

Thursday, November 17, 2011  

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) issued a proclamation on Wednesday, apologizing for the state's mistreatment of indigenous people.

Kansas was once home to 19 tribes. Only four remain after most were forced into Oklahoma.

“As Governor, I resolve we will move forward with the recognized tribes in a positive and constructive relationship that will help us fairly and effectively resolve differences to achieve our mutual goals and work together to protect this land we call Kansas,” Brownback said at a ceremony with tribal leaders.

When Brownback served in the U.S. Senate, he introduced a bill to apologize to indigenous people on behalf of the federal government. The measure was signed into law but President Barack Obama never officially acknowledged it or offered a public apology.

Representatives of the Kickapoo Tribe, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, the Iowa Tribe, the Sac and Fox Nation and the Kaw Nation attended yesterday's ceremony, held as the state celebrates its 150th birthday.

Get the Story:
Kansas apologizes to tribes for past misdeeds (AP 11/16)
State recognizes contributions of tribes (The Topeka Capital-Journal 11/17)