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OREM — Sounds of tribal drums echoed in the ballroom at Utah Valley University on Thursday as veterans presented the colors next to eight tribal flags.
The celebration was to mark the 10th annual Governor's Native American Summit, a milestone for Native American and Utah government relations.
"We are addressing significant and important issues to the Native Americans, like education, health care, infrastructure, water, roads — the challenges that Native Americans face in disproportionate amounts to the rest of the state," said Utah Gov. Gary Herbert before entering a private meeting with tribal leaders. "It's great that we have 10 years behind us. I look forward to the 10 years ahead of us."
"Hzh Speaks," was this year's integral theme — the word Hzh roughly translates into a state of balance between love, peace, beauty, harmony, wisdom and long life.
"Hzh is a great word, it's a word that we need, all of us need, the world needs, because it's a coming together of, maintaining balance, it is being able to sit at the table, drink coffee and discuss critical issues," said Russell Begaye, president of the Navajo Nation. "Navajo Nation stands ready to work hand-in-hand with the office of the governor to improve the lives of our people and tribal communities across the great state of Utah."
Begaye also commended Utah leaders for their ability to take a seat at the table and discuss issues such as water rights without the painful process of litigation. He encouraged that practice to continue, and said discussions should include issues such as allocation of federal funds, infrastructure, economic development and other critical needs — preferably over coffee and "healthy" fry bread.
Originally, the annual Governor's Native American Summit was a small gathering of about 60 high-level officials from both Utah and Utah's eight sovereign Native American tribes.
Today, the summit welcomes nearly 600 participants, offering workshops for both adults and youth, becoming a networking event for all tribal members.
Over the years, the conference has also become an opportunity for the governor to emphasize the importance of tribal-government relations through the signing of an official declaration.
Ravell Call/Deseret News
"There are a lot of different services here that members of Utah's eight sovereign tribes can avail themselves of. There's economic opportunities, educational opportunities, opportunities to take training and take it back to the tribes so they can help improve their communities," said Geoffrey Fattah, spokesman for the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts.
The youth track of the summit, which is celebrating its third year, focuses on culture, science, technology and encouraging tribal youth to graduate from high school and consider higher education.
To show their love of learning, tribal students and their classmates from Rees Elementary in Spanish Fork performed a play depicting the challenges that the Navajo people faced in preserving their language and the Navajo's role as "code talkers" in World War II.
Herbert emphasized in his speech that while tribal high school graduation rates have increased to 64 percent, the bar needs to be raised and that youth programs, like the one featured at the summit, can help students recognize that a good education can help them get a good job and create economic opportunity for their future families.
The great motto of our state is 'Life Elevated.' We may need to change that on our advertising to 'Hzh.' I don't think anybody would be able to pronounce it, but I think it would be appropriate.
–Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox
"What we want to do, first and foremost, is help them help themselves," said Herbert about Utah's Native American population. "I think the Native American Summit has fostered better dialogue, better understanding, which is going to give us a better outcome in the future."
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox also addressed the conference, recognizing that there is a lack of balance in some areas of tribal life, specifically in economic development. He said he hopes to help find a remedy so Native Americans can provide for and keep their families close.
"The great motto of our state is 'Life Elevated.' We may need to change that on our advertising to 'Hzh,' remarked Cox as tribal members applauded. "I don't think anybody would be able to pronounce it, but I think it would be appropriate."
The summit concludes Friday and will include several cultural performances, distinguished speakers and a variety of networking events.
Cassidy Hansen is currently studying both Political Science and Communications at Brigham Young University, while working as an intern at the Deseret News. Contact her at chansen@deseretnews.com
