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Utah Senate welcomes Native American tribal leaders, sponsors urge continued dialogue
Summary
Senator Van Tassel introduced leaders from eight tribes and highlighted ongoing dialogue between state officials and tribal governments, urging respectful treatment and continued cooperation.
Senator Van Tassel invited representatives of eight Native American tribes and the Native American Council to the Senate chamber and introduced individual delegates by name. He said the group "met with many of the tribal leaders and continue to work in a dialogue with many of the issues that are between the Native Americans and as well as the state," and he asked the Senate to recognize their presence.
Van Tassel emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and asked senators to avoid language and behavior that demeans Native Americans. "I would hope that as we move forward ... we treat everyone alike and that that is a word that is no longer part of our vocabulary as we deal with the Native Americans," he said.
Senators applauded the visitors and noted the delegation planned additional meetings that day with the governor and lieutenant governor. The visit was presented as part of an ongoing engagement between the state and tribal governments; Senators encouraged continued cooperation and dialogue.
