Reznet

'Kennedy's Door Was Always Open to American Indians'

By Adam McMullin

WASHINGTON— Congress of American Indians President Joe A. Garcia released the following statement on the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.):

"On behalf of Indian Country, I extend my condolences to Sen. Kennedy's family during this most difficult time. We have lost a strong, true leader in Congress and an unyielding supporter of tribal sovereignty for all Indian nations.

"Sen. Kennedy was a champion for all Americans, and specifically for Native people and communities. He supported the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and ensured federal funding reached schools on reservations.

"Sen. Kennedy's door was always open to American Indians and Alaska Natives. He provided an excellent model of leadership in Congress, and he will be dearly missed throughout Indian Country.

"May Sen. Kennedy's work and legacy live on through those whose own leadership is inspired by his example. May we take up his own words as our charge: ‘For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.'"

Adam McMullin is the communications director of the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C.