WASHINGTON, March 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Native American community all too often has been victimized by the use of insensitive and derogatory words. As an organization representing the interests of Native Americans, the Native American Contractors Association ("NACA") understands the pain felt by the Hispanic community as a result of Representative Don Young's insensitive choice of words. As such, NACA appreciates the Congressman's public apology. "Congressman Young has been a champion for Native Americans and other minority groups, not just in Alaska, but those across the entire country. Such hurtful remarks overshadow his real work and personal understanding of minority communities. Words and terms that wrongfully may have been tolerable decades ago are not acceptable, and are disrespectful to the advances this nation has made in acknowledging that all minority groups are extremely important to the country's identity and future," stated Kevin Allis, NACA's Executive Director. Allis further stated, "NACA has a strong and developing relationship with the Hispanic community that is grounded upon the commonality of prejudice, discrimination, and a forward thinking view of building strong minority communities together. Our disappointment of the use of such insensitive words should come as no surprise to anyone! We value our friends in the Hispanic community, and will stand by their side in not overlooking such conduct. We will continue to strengthen our treasured relationship, and will not allow remarks by others, regardless of which community is targeted by such comments, to jeopardize such significant efforts," Allis concluded.

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For more information, please contact Jennine Elias at (202) 758-2676.

About the Native American Contractors Association

NACA is a national Native advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., and represents Tribal, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations across the country. NACA seeks to protect the economic self-sufficiency of America's indigenous people that is enhanced through the participation of its members in the SBA 8(a) program. NACA's members represent and provide benefits for nearly 700,000 Tribal members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

SOURCE Native American Contractors Association