Native Americans
The federal government has a unique treaty and trust relationship with our 567 sovereign tribal nations. As part of this relationship, the federal government has the responsibility to provide health, education and law enforcement, among other services, for American Indians and Native Alaskans. While significant progress has been made, the federal government still has work to do to fully meet its obligations to Native people.
I serve as Co-Chair Emeritus of the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus and as Chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. In both roles, I work closely with tribal leaders and Native communities to ensure adequate funding for the Indian Health Service, Indian Education, Indian School Construction, and Native American Housing Block Grants. Federal investments in health, education, economic development programs, and housing are vital to making Native American families and communities stronger.
More on Native Americans
St. Paul, MN – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) today issued the following statement upon learning of the death of the Hon. Stanley Crooks, Chairman of the Mdewakanton Sioux Community:
“The passing Chairman Stanley Crooks is a tremendous loss for Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, for all tribal Nations, and for anyone who worked closely with him. Chairman Crooks’ leadership transformed his community and made him a highly respected national figure.
[as prepared]
I rise in support of Mr. Moran’s amendment to strike the egregious policy riders from this appropriations bill.. There are many reasons to be disappointed in this bill, and removing the riders will not solve these fundamental problems. Nevertheless, I support this amendment because it will prevent additional damage to our precious natural resources.
For Immediate Release: June 20, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Mister Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 205, the HEARTH Act.
For Immediate Release: March 8, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – During remarks delivered at the National Congress of American Indian's (NCAI) Tribal Nations Legislative Summit yesterday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-St. Paul) thanks tribal leaders from across the U.S. for their efforts to lobby on behalf of tribal communities and families.
Good morning! It is an honor to be with you today. I want to thank NCAI President Jefferson Keel of the Chickasaw Nation for this very special invitation to join you today. Thank you for the warm welcome, but more importantly, thank you for being here in Washington, DC.
Thank you for making your voice heard in Congress. Your voices, the voices of Indian leaders must be heard in the policy debate that is shaping the future of our country in 2012 and shaping the future of Indian Country.
Thank you for that introduction and for inviting me to be here with you all today!
This is a historic time to be here in DC. I can honestly say that no one knows what's going on here in Washington. I say that in sincerity. And I say that in sadness. We have to get this issue resolved, because it affects all of us.
Thank you for that introduction and for inviting me to be here with you all today!
This is a historic time to be here in DC. I can honestly say that no one knows what's going on here in Washington. I say that in sincerity. And I say that in sadness. We have to get this issue resolved, because it affects all of us.
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Interior – Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I have great respect for Chairman Simpson, Ranking Member Moran and the staffers on both sides of the aisle. On one important aspect of this bill -- Chairman Simpson and Representative Cole have worked together with Democrats to protect critical education and health care investments in Indian Country as part of our trust relationship with the 565 tribes in this country.