Rep. Jo Ann Davis introduces apology bill

Rep. Jo Ann Davis introduces apology bill

Posted: February 12, 2007
by: Bobbie Whitehead / Indian Country Today

WASHINGTON - A U.S. congressman has introduced a resolution that would offer an apology for and acknowledge abuses by the United States, and support better relations with American Indian nations.

Rep. Jo Ann Davis of Virginia introduced again a joint resolution in the House of Representatives Jan. 4 that would grant an apology from Congress to American Indians for numerous abuses committed against them.

''I believe that it is important for the United States to recognize the impact of the broken treaties and inhumane policies on the Native Americans,'' Davis said. ''As representatives of the U.S. government, Congress has a responsibility to maintain good relations with other nations, yet we have not maintained good relations with the Native American nations.''

The resolution lists treaty violations, ''extermination, termination, forced removal and relocation, the outlawing of traditional religions, and the destruction of sacred places'' as some of the mistreatment and policies against American Indians. However, the resolution does not authorize or serve as a settlement for any claim against the United States.

Davis introduced a similar resolution during the last congressional session, but it received little action. However, the newly introduced resolution has six co-sponsors and was sent to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

''I will continue to push this bill, and I am hopeful it will be passed and signed into law by the President,'' Davis said. ''It is my understanding that Chair Rahall of the Resources Committee has a longstanding relationship with the Native Americans, and I intend to ask him for his support.''

http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096414482

Just asking.

be giving them back the whole country?

I don't think they want it any more anyway. Completely f***ed.