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 the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus and as Ranking Member 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
Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, participated in a ceremony today that honored Native American code talkers with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Medals were presented to members of 25 tribes today, and additional tribal nations will be honored as their medals are finalized. The Representatives released a joint statement in honor of the historic occasion:
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Governor Mark Dayton
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Attorney General Lori Swanson |
[Remarks as prepared]
Good morning. It is my honor to be here today to support the “Change the Mascot” campaign. Let me thank Ray Halbritter of the Oneida Indian Nation for his leadership and the tremendous effort put forth by his community.
For Immediate Release: September 13, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington Post calls Red*****’ name “a racial slur of Native Americans so offensive that it should no longer be tolerated”
Top Ten of the GOP’s Worst Cuts in FY14 Interior, Environment Appropriations Bill
[as prepared]
Mr. Chairman, it disappoints me greatly to be here today with this bill before us.
I came to this subcommittee to work in partnership with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to keep our air and water clean, protect our nation’s natural treasures, and ensure this Congress honors our trust responsibilities to Indian Country.
For Immediate Release: July 18, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
St. Paul, MN – The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe announced today that their former Chief Executive, Marjorie Anderson, passed away yesterday of natural causes. She served as chief executive from 1991 to 2000, and then again from 2008 to 2012. As Chief Executive, Marge Anderson was instrumental in defending the Mille Lacs Band’s treaty rights and investing tribal gaming revenues towards improving services and the quality of life for Mille Lacs Band members.
Washington, DC – President Barack Obama today issued an executive order creating the White House Council on Native American Affairs. This high level interagency group will be chaired by the Secretary of the Interior with the purpose of ensuring that “the Federal Government engages in a true and lasting government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribes in a more coordinated and effective manner, including by better carrying out its trust responsibilities.” The Council will work across federal agencies and departments to coordinate the development of “p