In a heartfelt address, the First Lady shared her experiences and the Biden administration’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous communities, underscoring the significance of unity, respect, and mutual support. She began her speech by acknowledging the leadership and advocacy of President Gravelle and Chairman Lowes, praising their efforts to protect ancestral lands and fight for justice.
Expressing gratitude towards Mayor Gerrie and Jaimee for their presence, the First Lady also highlighted President Biden’s promise and fulfillment of appointing Native leaders across his administration, including members from various tribes. She commended the work of Bryan and Liz, expressing President Biden’s appreciation.
In her address, she also shared a personal story from her time teaching at a community college, revealing the emotional support she received from her students during a difficult family time. This story highlighted the importance of community support and the strength that can be found in acts of kindness and empathy.
The First Lady drew on the Seven Grandfather Teachings, emphasizing love, respect, honesty, truth, bravery, humility, and wisdom as foundational principles for serving communities and walking the path of a good life. She reflected on her visit to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe in central Michigan, illustrating the universality and resilience of these values across Indigenous cultures.
Addressing the administration’s achievements, she mentioned the largest-ever federal investment in Native communities, the signing of a historic executive order honoring the Nation-to-Nation relationship, and the initiation of collaboration with Tribal Nations for environmental management.
Throughout her speech, the First Lady celebrated the culture and heritage of Native communities, recounting her visits to tribal health clinics, schools, and meetings where she witnessed the fusion of heritage and future vision. She affirmed the Biden-Harris Administration’s pride in partnering with Native communities to support their efforts in revitalization and economic growth.
Concluding her address, the First Lady looked to the future, envisioning a community united in strength, wisdom, and respect, committed to creating a better tomorrow for the next generations. She closed her speech with a word of thanks, “Miigwetch,” showing her appreciation and respect for the Indigenous cultures.
The White House also informed attendees about ways to stay updated and actively participate in the administration’s initiatives, inviting them to opt in for text messages from President Biden, furthering the message of involvement and shared effort in building back better.
For further updates and information, please contact The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500.