"Recently Gov. Andrew Cuomo hosted a “wine and beer summit,” and he has been touring the areas covered by the state’s 10 regional economic development councils to gauge their progress.

These activities, plus the successful “yogurt summit,” give Cuomo the opportunity to spotlight those economic development initiatives critical to his strategic vision and job creation efforts.

But in Indian country, people are wondering when the governor will turn his attention to the Native American nations.

Cuomo says the economic forums are used to assess his government: “What are we doing that helps? What are we doing that hurts? What could we do better? What do you need?”

An honest assessment should compel Cuomo to convene an Indian Nations economic summit."

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Michael Benjamin: Native Americans Must Not Be Left Out Of Economic Development Picture (City & State 11/12)