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Seminole Tribe encouraged by Obama’s “commitment” (updated)

Posted Nov 6, 2009 by Catherine Dolinski, Tallahassee bureau

Updated Nov 7, 2009 at 11:34 AM

(Our apologies for yesterday’s technical difficulties, which prevented this post from appearing correctly yesterday.)

Folks who represent the Seminole Tribe were happy to hear President Barack Obama talking this week about the federal government’s new “commitment” to tribal nations.

It’s been about six months since the state Legislature approved terms for a new gaming compact with the Seminoles, and two months since Gov. Charlie Crist negotiated a compact that departed from those terms. House leaders in particular have balked at that deal. Last month, House Speaker Larry Cretul asked federal gaming authorities to crack down on the Seminoles for offering banked card games prohibited by state law.

“We will not be forced into accepting a compact that grants the tribe more games than they may rightfully demand,” Cretul declared in his letter to the George Skibine, chairman of the federal commission that regulates Indian gaming.

It was a pretty far cry from the tone that President Barack Obama took on Thursday. “Few have been more marginalized and ignored by Washington for as long as Native Americans—our First Americans,” Obama said at the Tribal Nations Conference. “I know that you may be skeptical that this time will be any different … But I want you to know that I’m absolutely committed to moving forward with you and forging a new and better future together.”

That’s not “lip-service,” the President insisted, ticking off a list of Native American advisors and officials he has appointed to focus on tribal issues. “Secretary Salazar and Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk are among the best advocates you could have in Washington.”

Obama added: “Washington can’t—and shouldn’t—dictate a policy agenda for Indian Country. Tribal nations do better when they make their own decisions.”

It’s hard to speculate what, if anything, such pledges of support for tribal nations may mean in practical terms for the Seminoles—especially given the complex, triangular relationship between the state, tribe and federal authorities when it comes to gaming rights.

But Obama’s words were music to the ears of public relations executive Ron Sachs, who is representing the Seminole Tribe.  “It’s very clear the federal government is renewing a deep commitment to doing right by Native Americans across the country,” Sachs said. “Surely, that would include the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Here in our own state government, it seems the best way to renew that commitment would be continuing to talk in good faith about a positive compact that provides benefits for taxpayers and the tribe.”

Are the President’s declarations causing heartburn for House leaders? We asked Jill Chamberlin, spokeswoman for the House Speaker, who replied, “no.”