BROWNBACK APPLAUDS COMMITTEE PASSAGE
OF NATIVE AMERICAN APOLOGY RESOLUTION
U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded Indian Affairs Committee passage of S.J. Res. 4, the Native American Apology Resolution, legislation to offer an apology from the United States government to American Indians. "The Native American apology resolution recognizes and honors the importance of Native Americans and their contributions to our nation," said Brownback. "This is a resolution of apology and reconciliation. It offers an official apology to the Native peoples for the poor choices our government made in the past."
The resolution, first introduced in the 108th Congress, apologizes on behalf of the United States to all Native peoples for the instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflicted on them by the United States. It also commits to build on the positive relationships of the past and present to move toward a brighter future. Brownback continued, "It is past time for us to heal our land of division, and come together as one people. We cannot erase the past. We can, however, acknowledge our past failures, express our sincere regrets, and work toward establishing a brighter future for all Americans."
The resolution of apology does not authorize or serve as a settlement of any claim against the United States and does not resolve many challenges still facing Native peoples.
· Last week on the National Day of Prayer, National Chairman Shirley Dobson asked all participants to bow in prayer before our Lord, offering words of REPENTANCE for our sins. Does God not say that, if we do so, He WILL "heal our land?" And does God not keep His promises?? . . . In this hour of national repentance and reconciliation, NOW IS THE TIME for the PASSAGE of the Native American Apology Resolution. May it be so, Lord. Amen.
· ". . . if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
· "Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place."
(2 Chronicles 7:15)
