Director of Indian Gaming Welcomes Akwesasne Interns to DC

Ms. Paula Hart, the Director for the Office of Indian Gaming, had the opportunity to promote professional development opportunities for tribal youth by selecting Morgan Oakes as a Washington Intern for Native Students this summer. Ms. Hart also invited other Mohawk summer Interns in Washington to meet Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs, Kevin Washburn on July 8th. Mr. Washburn is President Obama's top appointee for Indian Affairs. The interns had an opportunity to ask Assistant Secretary questions and although he was preparing to testify in front of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, that afternoon he was very friendly and willing to talk with these Mohawk youth. The interns later attended the hearing and listened to Assistant Secretary Washburn's testimony. Ms. Hart stated "Morgan is doing a great job in the Office of Indian Gaming and I am very honored to have been able to have selected another fellow tribal member to come into my Office, giving her an opportunity to experience life in Washington, DC as well as giving her the experience of working on major gaming decisions affecting Native Americans across the country." All of these students also attended the first White House Youth Conference. The Conference provided each of them the opportunity to discuss issues concerning Native youth with the first lady Michelle Obama and top Obama Administration Officials. These individuals are taking the first steps in making a difference in Indian Country. Congratulations to each of them!