Chairman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) was a guest of President and Mrs. Obama at a holiday reception on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 in the East Wing of the White House. She met the President and First Lady. “It was an extraordinary experience,” she said. “I was so proud and deeply honored to be invited and to have the tribe recognized.”

Mrs. Andrews-Maltais was one of only four tribal leaders invited.

Guests are invited to the reception to acknowledge their contributions and recognize their efforts within their government, business, or community. Mrs. Andrews-Maltais’ invitation was extended at the behest of the Director of Domestic Intergovernmental Affairs, Jodi Gillette.

Mrs. Andrews-Maltais said she hopes this recognition signifies positive intergovernmental relations in the future.