Tex Hall: White House Council marks new step in Indian policy

From the Great Plains and Council of Large Tribes, we will be pleased to engage with Secretary Jewell and the new White House Council. Our Indian nations and tribes want to promote:
• The authority of Indian nations and tribes over our tribal government programs and services, free from unwarranted intrusion by the IRS;
• The authority of Indian nations and tribes over our lands, natural resources and tribal economies; • Education, health, strong justice systems, and essential infrastructure;
• Treaty rights, including self-governance, economic self-sufficiency, and a Federal Government commitment to appropriately fund Federal treaty obligations; and
• Intertribal trade and commerce, International indigenous trade and commerce, and free trade zones for Indian country.

It is time for Indian nations and tribes to join hands across the United States to improve the quality of life for our tribal communities and Native American people. It is time for the Federal Government to be a viable partner with us, consistent with the Federal trust responsibility.