The world is hoping the inauguration of the new president of the United States brings changes
NAN press release ...
Statement from NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy on the Inauguration of Barack Obama
THUNDER BAY, ON Tuesday January 20, 2009: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy made the following statement on today’s inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America:
Just as the historic election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of the United States sent a message of hope across Nishnawbe Aski, today’s inauguration will be felt around the world as America closes a dark chapter of its history and moves beyond racial and cultural divides.
The swearing in of president-elect Obama shows how far African-Americans have come in their struggle against discrimination, intolerance and injustice. It shows that people of different races are able to overcome their differences to work for a better future for their children. I am hopeful that the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation can make similar progress with the Government of Canada, and that we can move forward with government-to-government relationships that will lay the foundation for a strong, healthy, and prosperous future for all Canadians.
Today’s inauguration shows that by living in a democracy with unlimited opportunity, anyone can grow to become anything they want to be. This is a great message for Canada and its First Nations peoples – that our differences can become our strengths when we unite to work for a better tomorrow.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities within James Bay Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory – an area covering two-thirds of the province of Ontario.
For more information please contact Michael Heintzman, Media Relations Officer – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625 4906.
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AFN press release ...
Assembly of First Nations joins Native American Leaders to witness history as Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States of America
OTTAWA, Jan. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - National Chief Phil Fontaine led a delegation from the Assembly of First Nations, including some Regional Chiefs, to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama today as special guests of the Cherokee Nation and the National Congress of American Indians.
"Today we are joining our Native American brothers and sisters, and all Americans, in the celebration and realization of a dream that has been centuries in the making," said National Chief Fontaine. "Nearly 150 years after President Lincoln emancipated the slaves, President Barack Obama is being sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States of America. More than being a powerful leader of a powerful country, President Barack Obama is also a powerful symbol of hope and change to billions of people all over the world," added National Chief Fontaine.
"Today we join the representatives from the Cherokee Nation and the National Congress of American Indians in celebrating the realization of a dream of racial harmony that was articulated by great North American leaders like Tecumseh and Martin Luther King, Jr. We are ready to work together with them to make real change for Indigenous peoples worldwide," stated National Chief Fontaine.
Yesterday, National Chief Fontaine and NCAI officials met with Native American advisors to President-elect Obama to discuss various issues of mutual concern, from human rights to economic development.
"We were pleased to hear from our Native American brothers and sisters about how the candidacy of President Barack Obama inspired and mobilized millions of Native Americans to become involved and to vote in the various electoral processes of the United States of America. As a result, Native Americans are more organized and mobilized their vote to make their voices heard. Native Americans are now better represented in Washington, D.C., have greater access to power and they will wield tremendous political influence over the policy decisions that will directly affect all of the Native American Tribes," commented National Chief Fontaine.
"The Assembly of First Nations will continue to build upon its Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation with the National Congress of American Indians and our bilateral relations with the Cherokee Nation and other Native American Tribes during the tenure of President Obama. We look forward to achieving tangible progress on issues of mutual concern and to improve the quality of life of all our Indigenous peoples here in Canada, in the Americas and around the world," concluded National Chief Fontaine.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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/For further information: Don Kelly, A/Communications Director, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 241-6789 ext. 334, cell: (613) 292-2787, dkelly@afn.ca; Gina Cosentino, Government Relations and International Affairs, National Chief"s Office, Assembly of First Nations, Cell: (613) 314-2661, gcosentino@afn.ca/