Resolution #SAC-12-002
TITLE: Support for Tribal Veteran Service Officers Training Programs
WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the health, safety and welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and
WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was established in 1944 and is the oldest and largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments; and
WHEREAS, American Indians served in the Armed Forces in greater proportions than any other racial entity; and
WHEREAS, American Indian Veterans are significantly underrepresented in applying for and receiving federal entitlement and benefits programs; and
WHEREAS, training, technical program support, and financial assistance is needed to sustain tribal veteran departments.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NCAI does hereby support this resolution supporting the Veteran Service Officer Training Programs in tribal communities, training Tribal Veteran Representatives and Tribal Councils as a commitment to assist American Indian Veterans accessing Veterans Benefits and Services, Compensation and Pension claim; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Tribal Veteran Service Organizations work closely with NCAI Veterans Committee assisting with training Veteran Service Officers throughout Tribal Communities to better support American Indian Veterans past, present and future while providing technical assistance and financial assistance creating greater access to Federal entitlements, Veterans benefits and services; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NCAI until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.
CERTIFICATION
The foregoing resolution was adopted by the General Assembly at the 2012 Annual Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Sacramento Convention Center from October 21-26, 2012 in Sacramento, California, with a quorum present.
President
ATTEST:
Recording Secretary