November 15, 2013 - Turkishnews.com
D.C. – Officials from the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), representatives from Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) and tribal leaders gathered at the residence of the Turkish ambassador to the United States on Tuesday to celebrate a $200,000 grant from TIKA to CTWS. The grant was awarded after a yearlong collaboration between the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA), the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), and TIKA.
The grant, TIKA's first-ever to an entity within the United States, will help build a water tank for an ongoing elementary school construction project that will help the people of CTWS meet their water needs for the next 10 years. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were selected after a panel of Native American judges reviewed each application to ensure the finalist would have the maximum community reach both in the short- and long-term."This grant builds on years of growing economic and cultural ties between Turkey and Indian Country," said G. Lincoln McCurdy, president of the Turkish Coalition of America. "We at TCA are proud to have helped deepen the important relationship between Turkey and Indian Country by facilitating this award in conjunction with NAIHC, TIKA, and the people of CTWS."
The event was hosted at the Turkish ambassador's residence following the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) reception held in conjunction with the2013 White House Tribal Nations Conference. At the NMAI reception, TCA brought together Ambassador Tan and TIKA President Dr. Serdar Cam for brief meetings with Rep. Mark A. Takano (D-Calif.), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).
"Within the framework of U.S.-Turkey relations, TIKA is happy to make a contribution to the friendly people of American Indians," stated Dr. Cam, president of TIKA.
During the reception at his residence, Turkey's ambassador to the United States, Namik Tan, said, "Make no mistake on our intentions, our aim is not to teach how things should be done or show off at the expense of our friends and allies. This grant is not an aid, it is a token of our solidarity with the Indian tribes and of our friendship with the US."
Cheryl Ann Causley, chairwoman of NAIHC stated, " It has been an honor for NAIHC to work with TIKA. Our membership is grateful for their support of our native people and we look forward to working with them for many years."
Chief Joseph Moses of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs echoed Chairwoman Causley's statement. "The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are deeply grateful to the people of the Republic of Turkey for their generosity in this grant. The funding provided to our tribe will directly improve the health and well-being of our membership."
