Resolution #SAC-12-028
TITLE: Supporting Legislation Encouraging Indian Tribal Trade and Foreign Investment
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, NCAI supports legislation that aims to encourage economic development and investment in tribal communities; and
WHEREAS, NCAI supports legislation that would enable demonstration projects to kick-start investment by U.S. and World Trade Organization (WTO) countries in tribal lands; and
WHEREAS, legislation promoting pilot projects that encourage World Trade Organization members to stimulate investment and economic growth in tribal communities would provide access to capital and help accelerate business development in tribal lands where it is difficult to obtain capital for business investments and current leasing practices can take several years to process; and
WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey’s unparalleled leadership and genuine interest in working with Indian tribes is a welcome development, as well as an incentive for Indian Country to look beyond U.S. borders for economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, NCAI recognizes the need for legislation explicitly promoting foreign trade and investment to enhance tribal sovereignty and economic development.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, NCAI strongly encourages Congress to take up and pass legislation facilitating foreign investment in tribal communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NCAI until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.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