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Shekoli.

Iwouldliketobeginmyremarksbytellingyouastoryaboutthe

manwearehonoringthismorning.

In2005,ashortstoryranintheWashingtonPostaboutaNative

AmericanhighschoolstudentinMarylandwhowasbeingdeniedhis

highschooldiplomabecauseheworeabolotietograduationasaway

tohonorhisCherokeegrandparents.Accordingtotheschool,abolotie

wasnotformalwearandthegraduationceremonywasanimproper

placetocelebratehisheritage.

GovernorSchweitzer,despitebeingfromMontana,tookitupon

himselftospeakupforthisyoungmanandshineabrightlightofshame

ontheschoolforbeingsoethnicallyintolerant.

HecalledtheWashingtonPostandtoldthepapertowriteafollow

upstory.Hewasquotedinthestorysaying,"In Montana and anyplace in

Indian Country, a bolo tie is dressed up," he said the school should be

ashamed of themselves. He called the young called man to tell him not to be

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discouraged, and sent him a Montana state bolo tie.

All of us in this room know what it feels like to be told to hide our

cultural heritage, so we can imagine what it must have felt like for that

young man to hear the governor of Montana telling him to stand strong and

not apologize to anyone for wanting to honor his Indian roots.

This story is just one small example of what Governor Schweitzer

has meant to Indian people across the country. In his eight years in office,

no governor in the country has been more responsive to tribes than

Governor Schweitzer. As Governor, he ensured that Indians were

acknowledged, respected, and included in all state operations. It is also

worth noting that he left office as the most popular governor in the history

of his state.

In reviewing his accomplishments, Indian Country Today Media

Network called him, the best governor for Indian Country, ever.

It is not an overstatement to say that Governor Schweitzer has

fundamentally changed the attitudes of countless Americans toward

Indian people.

Governor Schweitzer has created a blueprint for every governor and

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political leader to learn from and emulate. He has demonstrated through

his leadership that building a relationship with Indian Country based on

respect and partnership, rather than conflict and demonization, is the best

way governors can not only address the many challenges their states are

facing, but also send a message that inclusion is a value respected by their

state.

Many Indian people believe that we must make our decisions based

on what is in the best interest of the seventh generation. Governor

Schweitzer, whether you choose to run for a higher office at some point or

not, you have changed the way the people think about and treat Native

people and your incredible legacy will be felt by the seventh generation

and beyond.

Thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do

for this country and for Indian people everywhere.

Ladies and gentlemen, Governor Brian Schweitzer.

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