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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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