FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2006

 President Thomas Addresses 30th Annual National TERO Convention

Tlingit Haida Central Council President, Edward Thomas, was recently invited by the Council for Tribal Employment Rights (CTER) to be a featured speaker along with several other tribal leaders to help kick off the 30th Annual Tribal Employment Rights Officers (TERO) Convention in Orlando, Florida.

President Thomas was asked to speak on the theme of this year’s convention “Striving for Tribal Synergy.” He began by speaking on the disparities and inconsistencies of federal policies and appropriations to Native Americans. To address the theme he spoke about the value of PL 477 to our tribe in addressing the many programs needed in helping our unemployed prepare for employment.

He then pointed out that the challenges facing the modern Native American family extends beyond employment issues. It is critical for us to improve collaboration among tribal programs in order to address additional family matters so that families can stay together and provide a stable environment for our children. Parents must do more to support their children to attain their education goals.

CTER President John Navarro presented President Thomas with a Certificate of Appreciation for his long standing support of TERO and the Council for Tribal Employment Rights.

There were approximately 200 participants at this convention from all across the country from Northern Alaska to Southern Florida; California to Maine.

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