Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas to participate in White House Tribal Nations Conference

LIVINGSTON – The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas will join more than 560 federally recognized Indian Tribes at the White House Tribal Nations Conference on Thursday in Washington, D.C.  Representing the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe will be Tribal Council Chairman Carlos Bullock.

This first-of-its-type event will provide Indian leaders the opportunity to interact directly with President Obama and top administration officials, giving participants an open forum to discuss measures the federal government can take to improve the lives of Native Americans. 

“It is an honor to join President Obama for this historic gathering and to discuss firsthand with the administration the critical issues facing the Indian Nations – and specifically our Tribe,” Bullock said.  Bullock will deliver a letter to the administration outlining several concerns, including health care disparities and a lack of economic opportunities on the Tribe’s East Texas reservation.

Native Americans have some of the lowest college graduation rates and lowest family incomes among their fellow U.S. citizens.  At the same time, Native Americans have some of the highest unemployment rates and highest percentage of people living below the poverty level.  Of the nation’s 2.3 million Native Americans, about 30 percent – or 700,000 – live in poverty. 

This story is no different for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas.  Some startling statistics:

§         Thirty-two percent of all eligible members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe are not employed on a full-time basis

§         Of the 513 Tribal members who live on the reservation, some 147 suffer from diabetes.  Overall, the Tribe suffers from poor health care services.

§         The median household income of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is about $10,809.

“The national economic downturn touches all of us, but the economic struggles so many Americans now face is one that poses a long-running challenge to members of my Tribe, the Alabama-Coushatta of Texas,” Bullock said.   

“Although we share the economic insecurity felt by many Americans these days, we – like so many of our fellow Texans – are steadfast in our hope and commitment to find greater prosperity, a brighter future and better health care for our people,” he said.  “That is why we appreciate the chance to personally address the critical issues facing our Tribe with the President and members of his administration.”

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has deep roots in the Lone Star State.  Proud Texans since the 1700s, Alabama-Coushatta members live on a 4,500-acre reservation near Livingston in Polk County.  The Alabama-Coushattas helped Texas settlers during the Texas Revolution.  Their friendship and assistance was recognized by Texas Presidents Sam Houston and Mirabeau Lamar, who worked to secure land for the Tribe’s current reservation.

The Tribe has approximately 1,100 members, more than 500 of whom live on their Tribal land in East Texas. 

To learn more about the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, please visit http://www.ac-Tribe.com