[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 28, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 THE INAUGURATION OF BOBBY WHITEFEATHER

 Mr. DURENBERGER. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate a 
leader and pay tribute to a great nation. On Thursday, Bobby 
Whitefeather will be inaugurated as the new chairman of the Red Lake 
Nation.
  Over the past 16 years, it has been my privilege to serve the people 
of Red Lake in the U.S. Senate. But, it has been an even greater 
privilege to have learned what lessons I have learned from the people 
of Red Lake, a people profound in purpose and resolute in faith.
  Of course, there are a lot of people with purpose and many people 
with faith. But, so often it is purpose and faith unchallenged. And, 
that is no purpose or faith at all. None of what the Red Lake people 
have accomplished over the years has come without challenge--or without 
cost. The cost has been great: centuries of adversity.
  But, again and again, the Red Lake people have confronted and 
conquered, confronted and conquered. And, today, the Red Lake people 
stand tall as a nation, a shining example of a people--weathered by the 
past--with a confident and unwavering hope for the future.
  The lesson we learn from the Red Lake people is great to anyone who 
has ever struggled in his or her life: never shrink from purpose and 
never lose your faith. To me, there is no greater lesson than this. 
There is no better teacher than the people of Red Lake. And, perhaps, 
no better student than me.
  So, when I arrived in Washington 16 years ago, I was ready to lead, 
ready to teach. Now, as I prepare to leave this city, I am ready to 
lead and ready to learn.
  Mr. President, I am grateful to the people of Red Lake for the great 
lessons I have learned from them and the friendship we share. And, I 
congratulate Chairman Whitefeather, Secretary Roy, Councilman Dudley, 
and all of the council as they prepare to lead--and to learn.

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