| Native American members
presented Dean with a Pendleton "Chief Stars and Stripes" blanket to
show their
appreciation. Frank LaMere, Winnebago, the longest serving Indian
on the DNC and chair of the Native American Coordinating Council, made
remarks, as Kalyn Free, Choctaw, founder and president of the
Indigenous Democratic Network, INDN's List, and Lorna Wilbur,
Swinomish, a DNC
member from Washington state, presented the blanket. It was
donated by the Umatilla Nation through efforts of Antone Minthorn,
their chairman. LaMere told Dean that among the Native
people "It is a simple honor but it is the highest honor...
It represents our good feelings for you." Kalyn Free
writes, "Pendletons are given by Indians to those deemed
worthy by their actions or deeds; as sign of respect, friendship and
high honor. Governor Dean received this from the DNC Native
Americans
because of his unparalleled and staunch support of Indian
Country." |
