Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises, is part of group of influential American Indian leaders in Washington, DC for a White House Tribal Nations Conference being held at the Interior Department on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.

“I look forward to discussing with White House officials and other American Indian leaders ways we can strengthen the relationship between the federal government and Indian Nations, as well as ways to help Native governments deal with threats from other governments that do not respect sovereignty and could harm economic progress” stated Halbritter. “At a time of economic insecurity, Indian nations have provided stability and commitment when this county needed it most. I am pleased that the White House is using this conference to recognize that commitment and explore ways to expand opportunities for all of our people."

In addition to President Obama, other administration officials participating in the conference include Secretary Ken Salazar, Department of the Interior; Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Department of Health and Human Services; Secretary Tom Vilsack, Department of Agriculture; Administrator Karen Mills, Administrator Lisa Jackson, Environmental Protection Agency; Secretary Shaun Donovan, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Secretary Arne Duncan, Department of Education.

The Oneida Nation leader went on to say that Congress could learn a lot from American Indians in their ability to get beyond narrow political interests and ongoing gridlock to find common purpose in creating an economy that benefits the people today and those for seven generations to the future.”