Chairman Levings Joins President Barack Obama at White House for Historical Signing of Tribal Law & Order Act

Chairman Levings joined President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House on Thursday July 29, 2010, as he signed into law the Tribal Law and Order Act.  The President was joined by over a hundred tribal leaders, tribal law enforcement officers, and women’s rights advocates as he signed what is being hailed as a historic event for changing the way tribes can enforce laws and call on federal resources for prosecuting violent crimes on tribal land.

Joining President Obama on stage to witness the signing of the law were tribal leaders from throughout Indian country; Jonathan Windy Boy, Vice Chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Theresa Two Bulls, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Marcus D. Levings, Chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Lisa Marie Iyotte, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota who introduced the President to the gathered audience.

In addition to President Obama, the United States Government was represented by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), Secretary Ken Salazar, Department of the Interior, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Representative Ed Pastor (D-AZ), Representative Dale Kildee (D-MI), and Representative Tom Cole (R-OK).

STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN MARCUS D.LEVINGS,

“Eh-Bah-Dah-Gish - White Headed Eagle”

“Shortly after I announced I would not seek re-election, I received an overwhelming response from tribal members asking me to re-evaluate my decision. It was the request from the elders that caused me to reconsider – at their urging and the urging of many other people, I will again seek the Chairman’s position.

It was humbling to hear those positive comments and I want to thank those people who supported me and asked me to seek the position again. I also want to thank those who have been supportive in these past 22 years that I’ve worked for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people.

It was TAT elders and tribal members who came to me this past weekend and caused me to really consider running again. She stated, ‘In the early history of our tribes, leaders were chosen by a group of elders who were aware of the needs of the community. They examined candidates and through conversation and ceremony chose the leader. There was no campaigning nor was there any voting. The individual being called upon had no choice, but to step forward. They were chosen to lead and lead they did.’

She said the elders respected my desire to spend more time with my family, but told me with some planning – I could develop a schedule where I would have more time with my family. She further stated, ‘Many of us admire you, because you don’t abuse alcohol or drugs. You are a Christian, yet you encourage and participate in the traditional ways…you have a good heart. When you come to our communities you always have a big smile.’

She added, ‘It is also important to us that you have always been supportive and respectful of elders and all the people.’

I talked with my family after receiving all the positive comments and supportive feedback.

Alvina and I also recently celebrated our 26^th wedding anniversary on July 17. After hearing the elders’ and tribal members’ wishes and concerns, I have decided to run for re-election to once again serve as your Tribal Chairman.

Mad-zi-gi-datz…Thank you…”