James Mooney and President Obama

James Mooney and President Barack Obama

“That’s Good to Know”

In September of 2008 in Elko, Nevada, after Senator Obama had completed his Elko presidential campaign speech and walked down the greeting line, James Mooney had a moment to speak to the candidate.

James said, “I have something extremely important to share with you.”

Obama replied, “Well, then let’s have it.”

James went on to speak about the current political situation for Native Americans. “The only one that speaks for the Native American Church is the Native American Church, not the Bureau of Indian Affairs nor the Native American Rights Fund.”

Obama paused and evaluated the statement. His response to James was, “That is good to know.”

President Obama is considered by most Native Americans to have been a great president who stood up for Native American rights.

 

Here former President Obama looks at the newly unveiled portraits of himself and Michelle Obama.

 

 

 

Volunteer Service Award given by
President Barack Obama to James Mooney