The annual summit between the federal government and Native Americans has kicked off, showcasing what the Biden-Harris administration touts as a “commitment to strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships.” Naturally, this is one of those buzzworthy phrases that sounds good on paper but often falls flat when it hits the ground. The lofty aim is to create direct dialogue between those in power in Washington and tribal nations, but it raises the question: how strong will those relationships really be when they’re often just another item on an agenda?
Vice President Kamala Harris took to the stage to share her wisdom, undoubtedly armed with the usual platitudes that have become hallmarks of this administration. Harris, who has a reputation for speeches that resemble a coffee shop poetry slam more than serious political dialogue, has sought to charm those in attendance. Yet, it remains to be seen whether her remarks will translate into meaningful action, or if they are simply designed to buoy the approval ratings that have slipped more than a few notches.
While the summit promotes the idea of government-to-government dialogue, many wonder if this administration knows what “government” means. After all, the Biden administration seems to be on a mission to redefine words and principles as they go along. It’s almost comical to expect real progress from a government that can’t seem to stick to a consistent message, let alone keep an eye on the economic challenges facing Native American communities.
Biden gets gifted a blanket at Tribal Nations Summit then reflects on apologizing to Native Americans
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— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 10, 2024
The reality is that the Biden-Harris administration has been linked to a laundry list of failed policies that have left many Americans scratching their heads. When trust in government is at an all-time low, holding a summit that essentially promises a better relationship using fancy terminology feels more like a public relations campaign than a solution to ongoing issues.
In the end, tribal leaders and citizens want results, not just paper commitments. The question lies in whether this summit will lead to genuine conversations that uplift and empower Native American communities, or if it’s just another opportunity for the administration to pat itself on the back while the realities of governance get thrown under the bus. If past performance is any indicator, one can bet that it’ll be the latter.