Tribal Coalitions Petition Government to Maintain Tribal Autonomy and Adhere to Historical Agreements in Wake of Executive Decisions
With a Urgent Call to Action from Tribal Organizations
(WASHINGTON D.C., 2/2/2025) - A group of Native American organizations raise a red flag, demanding that the Administration takes tender care not to trample on the sovereign status of Tribal Nations as autonomous entities with a unique relationship with the United States, and predictable funding streams for vital community services.
In the wake of numerous Executive Orders and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directives, worries arise over temporaryfreezes that could jeopardize the financial lifelines the tribes rely on to provide essential healthcare, employment initiatives, education, and social programs to their communities. Although OMB has rescinded the initial mandate, doubts lingering about how federal agencies will interpret and implement the Administration's edicts moving forward.
It's vital to understand that Native American Nations are not mere interest groups; they are self-governing bodies with a distinct legal and political link with the United States and their own individual communities. The federal government's commitments to these Nations are based on politics and debt. We must protect Native American sovereignty and uphold these commitments diligently, avoiding inadvertent casualties in broader policy overhauls.
The coalition underscores that federal funding for Native American programs is not discretionary, but a legal obligation required by the United States' trust and treaty obligations and the multitude of statutes that enforce them. The organizations implore the Administration to explicitly acknowledge Native American sovereignty and trust and treaty obligations throughout the implementation of all Executive Orders and priorities, and make certain that federal agencies issue clear guidance to safeguard Native American programs against undue disruption. As the Administration advances its agenda, it must do so with respect for Native American sovereignty, support for self-determination and diligence in delivering on trust and treaty obligations. We are at the ready to collaborate with federal counterparts to ensure everything aligns with the government-to-government relationship between the U.S. and Native American Nations.
The coalition persists in their mission to safeguard Native American sovereignty, honor the trust and treaty obligations and elevate the voice of Native American communities in Washington. A copy of the letter signed by the coalition can be found here.
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National Tribal Organizations Involved:
- American Indian Higher Education Consortium
- Association on American Indian Affairs
- Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
- California Tribal Chairpersons' Association
- Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council
- Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Association
- Indian Gaming Association
- Inter Tribal Association of Arizona
- Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes
- Native American Finance Officers Association
- National American Indian Court Judges Association
- Native American Rights Fund
- National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
- Native Forward Scholars Fund
- National Congress of American Indians
- National Coalition of Urban Indian Health
- National Indian Child Welfare Association
- National Indian Education Association
- National Indian Health Board
- Northern California Tribal Chairperson's Association
- Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council
- Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium
- Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association
- United South and Eastern Tribes
Photography by Jess Lindner.
Insight: Executive orders have stirred concerns among Native American tribes about potential disruptions to their sovereign political status and essential funding. Some executive orders may target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, impact tribal human services, raise concerns about digital payment shifts, and undermine trust and treaty obligations. Tribal organizations are staying vigilant and collaborating with federal agencies to uphold their rights and interests.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, Native American tribes have voiced their concerns over potential disruptions to their sovereign political status and essential funding streams caused by the recent Executive Orders.
- The ongoing politics in Washington has led to a heightened awareness about the importance of safeguarding Native American sovereignty and upholding trust and treaty obligations, particularly in the context of General-news regulation changes and funding allocations.
