Tom Perez Quotes

We have a government-to-government relationship with tribes, and they should have that opportunity to weigh in on important decisions that affect them.

Our country has a trust responsibility to Indian tribes, and it seems like their voice has been lacking in so many conversations that we've had in this country. And so, I'd like to make sure that tribal leaders have that seat at the table.

Tribes don't need Congressmembers' sympathy. What tribes need is for us to properly exercise our duty.

The United States have fulfilled in good faith all their treaty stipulations with the Indian tribes, and have in every other instance insisted upon a like performance of their obligations.

An Indian tribe is sovereign to the extent that the U.S. permits it to be sovereign.

We owe an historic debt to American Indians. They have a unique set of concerns that haven't been addressed, and I'd like to stand with them. Also, I'd like to get their views on immigration.

Indians in the territory of Utah have, with but few exceptions, continued quiet and peaceable.

We, as Indian tribes, should be able to prosecute non-Indians on tribal lands. But on Indian land, we have no ability to prosecute anyone but another Indian. American Indians having status as a foreign nation is good for us, but it's not good in some ways if we don't have the jurisdictional power that the federal government claims.

As governor, I work in hand in hand with tribal leaders on everything from disaster response to economic development. Tribal governments are important partners to our state government, and I value the good relationships my administration has cultivated with them.

With federal recognition, the Lumbee Tribe would become a full player in Indian country, no longer second class Indians in the eyes of the federal government. As such, we would employ our substantial skills and abilities to help correct problems faced by Indian country and make significant contributions.

The one thing I've always maintained is that I'm an American Indian. I'm not politically correct.

Looking at the purpose of our government toward the Indians, we find that after subjugating them it has been our policy to collect the different tribes on reservations and support them at the expense of our people.

What treaty that the whites have kept has the red man broken? Not one.

Whether or not our system of Indian management has been a success during the past ten, fifty, or hundred years is almost answered in the asking.

I represent more Native Americans than anyone else in Congress.

When I was a kid, I really loved Indians. Native Americans. Pardon. Me.

As it has for America's other indigenous peoples, I believe the United States must fulfill its responsibility to Native Hawaiians.

I don't feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from them. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves.

The Indians have a right to the occupation of their lands, independent of the States within whose chartered lines they happen to be

It shall and may be lawful for the President to have the same superintendence and care over any tribe or nation in the country to which they may remove, as contemplated by this act, that he is now authorized to have over them at their present places of residence: Provided, That nothing in this act contained shall be construed as authorizing or directing the violation of any existing treaty between the United States and any of the Indian tribes.

There is now a recognition that there are three sovereigns in this country, and they are the Federal Government, the state governments and the tribal governments.

There is great good will on Capitol Hill for the tribes but virtually none for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The proper treatment of the original occupants of this land—the Indians is one deserving of careful study. I will favor any course toward them which tends to their civilization and ultimate citizenship.

I have asked some of the great white chiefs where they get their authority to say to the Indian that he shall stay in one place, while he sees white men going where they please. They can not tell me.

They [the American Indians] have claims on the magnanimity and, I may add, on the justice of this nation which we must all fill. We should become their real benefactors; we should perform the office of their Great Father, the endearing title which they emphatically give to the Chief Magistrate of our Union.