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
Washington D.C.– On Friday, May 10th, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) honored Congresswoman Betty McCollum with the 2013 Congressional Leadership Award during their 15th Anniversary Gala Celebration. After accepting the award from Executive Director, D’Shane Barnett, Congresswoman McCollum thanked the organization for their work and shared her commitment towards improving healthcare options for American Indians and Alaska Native populations.
Mr. Speaker, Congress should never have passed sequestration. These reckless cuts are affecting families and communities throughout our nation, including those in Indian Country. Yet, when sequestration passed no one thought about how it would disproportionately impact tribal communities.
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Congresswoman McCollum to Participate in Woodbury Town Hall Meeting
On Saturday, March 9, 2013, Congresswoman McCollum will join State Senator Susan Kent (53) and State Representatives Andrea Kieffer (53B) and JoAnn Ward (53A) for a Town Hall at Woodbury City Hall from 10 AM –11:30 AM. Woodbury Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens and Washington County Commissioner Lisa Weik will also be present for the discussion. Woodbury residents are welcome to attend to hear legislative updates and ask questions about federal, state, and local issues.
For Immediate Release: February 28, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S. 47) by a vote of 286 to 138. Eighty-seven Republicans and all 199 Democrats in the House supported the legislation.
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I join you in welcoming Assistant Secretary Washburn and our other witnesses to the subcommittee this morning.
Education is the cornerstone of the foundation on which we build our future. And, Native American parents, like parents all across this nation, look to a good education as an investment in a better future for their children.
Congresswoman McCollum's Remarks to the National Indian Education Association
[As prepared]
Tuesday, February 26, 9:15 AM
Thank you all for having me here to speak with you today. Thank you for the introduction, and thank you to NIEA’s President, Dr. Heather Shotton, for the invitation.
It is always an honor to speak at this summit because it brings together such a dedicated group of leaders, educators, and young people.
McCollum’s SAVE Native Women Act Empowers Tribal Communities to Effectively Combat Domestic Violence
For Immediate Release: February 15, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
For Immediate Release: February 11, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
For Immediate Release: January 30, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas (McCollum), (202) 225-6631
Washington, DC – This week, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) was elected as the Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. She will join Republican Co-Chair Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) in ensuring that the Native American community has a direct voice in Congress.