WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a ceremony Wednesday at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Representative Jim McDermott, D-Wash. and Senator Sam Brownback, R-Kan., read a joint resolution apologizing for "ill-conceived policies" and acts of violence against American Indians by the U.S. government.
The congressmen were joined by representatives from the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Pawnee nations.
The cemetery is the burial site for tribal representatives from many American Indian nations who died in the region while representing their people.
Brownback had pushed since 2004 for the resolution. Lawmakers have described the resolution as a symbolic gesture that would help promote a renewed commitment by the federal government to the tribes.
Both houses of Congress approved it late last year and President Barack Obama signed it in December.
Former Tulalip Tribal leader Stan Jones says he is amazed at the apology.
"This was a long time coming," says Jones. "Growing up, we were told we were not allowed to be Indian."
The resolution also apologizes for any problems the tribes currently face as a result of decisions made years ago, including violence and poverty on the reservations.
"I am still proud to be Indian," Jones says. "But it's about time."
