PHOTOS: Udall Hosts Navajo Nation and Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Leaders at Senate Meeting on Native Issues

WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority Executive Director and National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) Board Member Floyd Tortalita joined U.S. Senator Tom Udall on Capitol Hill today for a discussion on education, housing and economic development on tribal lands.

At an event hosted by Udall and the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, more than a dozen representatives from Native American tribes and organizations highlighted a variety of issues that affect Indian Country, including sequestration's harmful effects on tribal budgets and the new provisions in the Violence Against Women Act to protect women on tribal lands.

"Today's forum was an important opportunity to hear from Native American leaders on the issues most important to their communities and to hear perspectives on how the tribes and federal government can work together to support economic growth," said Udall. "We have a trust responsibility to tribes, and we need to do what we can to help combat high levels of unemployment and poverty, build much needed infrastructure, and improve education while preserving Native American culture."

"One central thread runs through the issues we discussed today -- every one of the topics are survival topics," said Shelly. "Improving education, providing housing and infrastructure, and developing a sustainable economy do not exist in a vacuum. They all fit together and are essential for the continued survival and independence of all tribal nations. As we discussed our points today we remembered the great needs at stake."

"Our elderly and low income families rely on housing assistance from the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act," said Tortalita. "Today I was honored represent all of Indian country on behalf of NAIHC to talk about the importance of reauthorizing this bill so we can continue to help those most vulnerable."

Shelly and Tortalita also discussed their concerns that the sequester will be a setback for the tribes because it cuts vital programs and presents problems for future budget planning.

Click here for photos of Udall with Shelly and Tortalita at the meeting on Capitol Hill.