11/30/2022

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            How exciting to see 300 tribal leaders from around the nation together at the WH this AM? I got a chance to watch Sec. Deb Haaland’’s heartfelt opening remarks about her joy at seeing the congregation of Native folks in the WH. She is leading so many transformational efforts with her $45 billion! Road to healing, the return of bison grazing lands to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, efforts to support internet access in tribal communities, & several other initiatives demonstrate your admin’s commitment to including our Indigenous folk in our nation’s governance. THANKS FOR DOING THAT!!!

            My ask of the day is prompted by ABC’s story about Japanese film-maker, Toru Kubota, who talked about his hellish experience as a prisoner of the junta. He urged that, “the Japanese government would take a much stronger stance towards the Myanmar military.” PLEASE CALL FUMIO KISHIDA & ASK HIM TO DO MORE TO PRESSURE THE JUNTA.

            I hope the Christmas tree lighting goes well. Do you worry about too much of an emphasis on Christmas? We are a secular country, after all, & many of our citizens do not celebrate the birth of Christ. Perhaps, we could celebrate winter solstice instead.

Rejoicing at the return of light is something we can all embrace. I suspect many of the tribal leaders that you are hosting today would agree with me.

            BYBS,