Larry EchoHawk May Be the Next Head of Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee gave mostly positive comments to Larry EchoHawk, 60, a Pawnee who is a law professor at Brigham Young University and a former attorney general of Idaho, at his confirmation hearing to become next head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"I know this is a difficult job," he told the committee. "But I pledge to you to work tirelessly and faithfully in executing my responsibilities … to truly make a difference in the lives of people in need."

But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the former chairman of the committee, was not so fast in jumping on the band wagon. EchoHawk, when asked about Indian Gaming, said he did not know much about it and the problems it may create, then told the committee said that he needs to study it more before offering opinions.

McCain responded to Echohawk by saying, "That is not a very good answer, sir," then added that he wants better written answers from EchoHawk before he would vote to confirm him.

McCain feels that off-reservation gaming and the question of whether or not Indian gaming is sufficiently are important issues that the head of the BIA will need to address.

EchoHawk's nomination had been delayed for months because some tribes initially had questioned whether he would support Indian gaming.

During is tenure as Idaho's attorney general, Echohawk’s office suggested a “fix” to a loosely worded amendment to allow a state lottery. The “fix” would guarantee that tribal casinos not be allowed in the state. This angered a lot of tribes.

Echohawk believes there are more pressing issues than gaming in Indian Country.

With tears in his eyes, EchoHawk said, "I remember the many times that I have been in Indian-reservation communities. In my mind's eye, I can see the faces of people, people that I love and care for, that suffered the effects of poverty." He said education may offer them a way up and out of such travails.

He added, "We must do something about the violence that occurs in Indian country, about the violence that occurs in the lives of Indian women, about the abuse and neglect suffered by Indian children and substance abuse that robs the future promise of the next generation."

EchoHawk also feels that the government-to-government relationship between Native American tribes and the United States should be brought to the forefront and emphasized when any issues are discussed and that the United States must "look after the political integrity and the welfare of the native nations, to safeguard their lands and resources, and to make their homelands productive."

Committee Chairman Byron Dorgan, D-N.D, who is hoping for Echohawk’s full confirmation by next week, led the praise parade by saying that, "I am confident that Larry EchoHawk will provide the leadership that BIA has needed for far too long.”

Dorgan said the BIA has been too bureaucratic and not responsive enough likening it to "….walking in wet cement.”

Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said, "I really am encouraged that someone of your quality and character is willing to take up this challenge … It's one of the toughest jobs in government, and I think you're equal to it."

Sen. Larry Crapo, R-Idaho, said EchoHawk has the "experience and temperament" needed to reform BIA. Crapo said it he felt the BIA has been suffering from confusion, neglect, under-funding and miscommunication.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii said EchoHawk understands the challenges of Indian country and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said he could think of "nobody who is better suited" for the job as assistant Interior Secretary for Indian Affairs.

Source:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705302046/EchoHawk-enjoys-hearing.html