U.S. Apology Read to Indians

A Republican senator has read a congressional apology for "ill-conceived policies" and acts of violence against American Indians by the U.S. government. Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas spoke to a crowd that included the leaders of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Pawnee nations.

Cherokee Nation Chief Chad Smith said that while most tribes had not specifically asked for a formal apology, the gesture was appreciated.

The Senate and the House of Representatives passed the resolution in 2009. --The Los Angeles Times, May 20, 2010.

Suzanne

I have to question the value of apologies by persons who did no wrong to persons long dead. To me it seems like an empty gesture; in fact, it may be just playing politics.

Step 1, steal their stuff.
Step 2, squander all the loot.
Step 3, once you made sure no retribution is possible, give an apology.

What would the tribes ask of the senator, to improve their situation. How much would the senator be willing to open the state pocketbook to mend old wounds?