Robert B. Porter of Lawrence, KA asks:

Despite the fact that there a many Native Americans who are displeased that they are not represented on the race panel, are you aware that a significant number of American Indigenous People reject the whole premise of the race panel even addressing our issues, because we are members of our own sovereign nations in a government-to-government relationship with the United States? If so, don't you think the official position of the race panel regarding tribal Indians should be "no comment - it's a political matter?" If you would like to discuss this line further, please do so. I'm a member and former Attorney General of the Seneca Nation and now teach at the University of Kansas School of Law.  

Angela Oh responds:

We are well aware of the split in sentiment about the race advisory board and the issue of a whether a Native American Indian should have served.  I believe that the response you suggest would not honor the sentiments of those who feel that there should be a voice in this formalized conversation.  So far, the voice of Native Americans is one which has been reported to be very critical.  However, having met some very thoughtful individuals who have served their tribes as leaders over many years, I know there are many who wish us well in this endeavor.  Discussing what race and racism has done to affect our societies is a starting point.  If we never even make the effort to communicate with one another, where can we possibly hope to go?  I guess in short, I do not think the official line should be "no comment."

Governor William Winter responds:

Whatever our political structure in this country may be vis-à-vis Native Americans, it is still a fact of life that we must live together in fairly close geographical proximity and consequently we must endeavor to live together as neighbors and friends respectful of each other as fellow human beings and sharing many common interests. The work of the Initiative on Race has sought to create a clearer understanding of how we can make the shared experience of our journey together through the next century a more rewarding and meaningful one for all of us. The working together for that purpose does not have to obscure or transcend the understandable concerns of Native Americans to achieve a more favorable political status.
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