United Tribes Technical College invited to participate in Inaugural Parade

On Monday, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden’s Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to United Tribes Technical College to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Members of the group will join representatives from across the country and the armed forces in the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," said Obama. "These organizations embody the best of our nation’s history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."

Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups’ applications. All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.

United Tribes Technical College, located in Bismarck, was established in 1969. The college is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation chartered by the state of North Dakota and operated by five tribes: Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, the Spirit Lake Tribe, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. The contingent from United Tribes Technical College will include employees and students who have served in the armed forces as well as singers and dancers using traditional Indian hoop drum.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.

All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The committee has been working with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help the groups raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.

Anyone interested in finding out more about supporting United Tribes Technical College and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade may contact Wes Longfeather at 701-255-3285, ext. 1218 (wlongfeather@uttc.edu) or visit www.uttc.edu.

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