Menominee Tribal Chair flew aboard Air Force One ahead of historic U.S. apology [Video]

KESHENA, Wis. (WBAY) – When President Joe Biden flew to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona to issue an historic apology to Indian Country, the Menominee Nation’s tribal chairwoman was aboard Air Force One.

Gena Kakkak and leaders of five other tribes joined President Biden on the flight and had a chance to talk with the president about tribal sovereignty and treaty obligations.

Kakkak says she also talked about the importance of investing in the language and culture of indigenous communities to heal from the painful, historic impacts of Indian boarding schools.

“Joining the president aboard Air Force One was not something I ever envisioned doing, but I was honored to join other strong tribal leaders on this flight, where we got to speak with President Biden directly about our government-to-government relationship, the impacts of boarding schools, and highlight areas in need of support,” Kakkak said later.