Indian Country in DC
In a time-honored tradition, lawmakers who write the federal government's funding bills heard from dozens of Indian Country leaders last week. Testimony focused on health care, education, public safety and just about every other major issue facing tribes and their citizens. The difference is the new political environment in the nation's capital. Catch up with three days of hearings.
Here's Your Headlines:
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs holds a business meeting to consider pending legislation on March 5, 2025.
Efforts continue at all levels to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.
Indian Country is taking yet another hit as President Trump tries to reduce the size of the federal government despite the trust and treaty obligations owed to tribes and their communities.
After years of progress, Native trans relatives are facing a major rollback of favorable laws and policies.
The 176th anniversary of the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities is coming with major challenges for Indian Country.
Walter Murillo, the CEO of Native Health in Arizona, and Dr. Linda Son-Stone, the CEO of First Nations Community HealthSource, are guests of Democratic lawmakers at a joint session of Congress.
“This tells the community we are here, we are here for you,” said Sheila Lopez, the founder of the Arizona Two Spirit Powwow.
The Dark Winds crime series is coming back. And the acclaimed Sugarcane is streaming. What else is on your Native screening list?
A whopping 26 bills are on the agenda as the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs advances pending legislation.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs learns about Native community priorities for the 119th Congress. Watch the hearing.
The House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations holds a hearing on Bureau of Indian Education schools. Listen to the testimony.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hears about Native community priorities for the 119th Congress. Listen to the testimony.
Julian Brave NoiseCat made history at the 2025 Oscars as the first Native filmmaker to be nominated for an Academy Award.
Cherokee engagement is especially important in times of transition.
The agenda for NAFOA’s 43rd Annual Conference is live! Register for the upcoming meeting.
A program serving Native students in science, technology and medicine is ending as a result of President Donald Trump’s directives.
The vast majority of Native students attend public schools. What happens if the Department of Education is eliminated?
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on February 27, 2025. Listen to the final session of testimony.
Federal staff layoffs, spending freezes and other orders from the Donald Trump administration jeopardize food pathways for tribes and federal grants and loans for Native farmers.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the morning of February 26, 2025. Listen to the testimony.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the afternoon of February 26, 2025. Listen to the testimony.
Compensation for college athletics is changing fast. How are Native students affected?
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the morning of February 25, 2025. Listen to the testimony.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the afternoon of February 25, 2025. Listen to the testimony.
The House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs holds an oversight hearing on Indian trust reform on February 25, 2025. Listen to the testimony.
Overdose deaths have dropped significantly — except among Native people and other people of color.
Haskell Indian Nations University lost nearly a quarter of its staff in President Donald Trump mass terminations.
The House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs is holding its second hearing of the 119th Congress, focusing on the federal government’s management of Indian trust assets.
We are strengthening our ability to fight cancer and bringing hope to Cherokee families.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the morning of February 25, 2025.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the afternoon of February 25, 2025.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the morning of February 26, 2025.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on the afternoon of February 26, 2025.
The House Committee on Appropriations hears from American Indian and Alaska Native witnesses on February 27, 2025.
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Repatriation advocates have had some recent progress in both policy and practice when it comes to getting important items returned to tribes.
Indian Country is returning to the nation’s capital to hold the federal government accountable — a difficult task in a new political landscape.
Words are inadequate to express the sense of betrayal and loss Haskell faculty feel regarding the so-called ‘efficiency’ firings across our campus.
Amid widespread terminations of its employees, the Bureau of Indian Affairs is trying to put the focus back on a critical issue facing tribes and their communities.
Non-profits and state governments continue to fight the Donald Trump administration in court over a freeze in federal funds.
What keeps Native people moving? Learn about the flutes, harps and other instruments in Native music.
From flu season to cuts at the Indian Health Service, tune in to get a gauge of the current threats to the health of Native people.
After spending nearly 50 years behind bars, American Indian Movement activist Leonard Peltier is finally free.
As Leonard Peltier is set to be released from federal prison, Native activists are reflecting on nearly five decades of work to win his freedom.
By the end of 2026, we will have invested $4 million into supporting the Cherokee artist community.
NAFOA has your latest news on tribal finance and economic development.
There’s more Valentine’s Day than flowers and chocolates in heart-shaped boxes.
The National Congress of American Indians continued its executive council winter session in Washington, D.C.
A traditional violin maker, a regalia maker, and basket weavers are the recipients of the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award.
The National Congress of American Indians opened its executive council winter session in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
As tribal leaders gather in the nation’s capital, a key partner is missing from their efforts to hold the federal government accountable for its trust and treaty obligations.
Catch up with the State of Indian Nations, delivered by National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro.
Listen to the 2025 State of Indian Nations, delivered by National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro.
The nation’s oldest and largest tribal advocacy group is shaping its strategy for carrying a unified voice to a fractured government and divided public.
We take all challenges to treaty rights and tribal sovereignty seriously.
The Kansas City football team will once again mock Native culture at the Super Bowl.
The House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs holds a legislative hearing on February 5, 2025. Listen to the testimony.
Tatanka Means maintains a busy schedule as a stand-up comedian, all while portraying serious roles on television and movie screens.
Watch a special presentation during the first meeting of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on February 5, 2025.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hosts an organizational business meeting on February 5, 2025.
A citizen of the Navajo Nation is being tapped to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs though it’s not the person who was publicly lobbying for the job.
The state of Alaska has filed suit against the Department of the Interior in hopes of shutting down a tribal gaming facility.
Medicaid provides direct support to at least one million Native Americans and proposed cuts have tribal advocates concerned.
The House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs is taking up four tribal bills at its first hearing of the 119th Congress.
The U.S. House of Representatives considers H.R.42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act, on February 4, 2025.
The U.S. House of Representatives considers H.R.43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act, on February 4, 2025.
The U.S. House of Representatives considers H.R.226, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, on February 4, 2025.
Native people already have the highest uninsured rate among homeowners. Changes in the industry could make it even worse.
Tribes are trying to remind the United States of its trust and treaty obligations amid an anti-DEI effort that has led to casualties in Indian Country.
Samí journalist and author Ann-Helén Laestadius offers readers a glimpse into the government-backed school system for Indigenous children in Sweden.
The Department of the Interior, the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities in Indian Country, officially has a new leader.
“In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations. The current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen," said Secretary Doug Burgum.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking to lead the cabinet-level federal agency that includes the Indian Health Service. Here are his written responses to questions about American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The Senate Committee on Finance is meeting on February 4, 2025, to mark up the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is convening for the first time under new Republican leadership.
A federal judge is hearing arguments in a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s efforts to freeze government grants.
"Tribal Nations are not special interest groups—they are sovereign governments with a unique legal and political relationship with the United States and with their own Tribal communities," a letter to President Donald Trump and key members of Congress reads.
"Our ancestors sacrificed their lives and lands to secure the future of our People," said William "Chief Bill" Smith, Chairman of the National Indian Health Board.
Federal funding for tribal historic preservation has been put on hold, according to the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.
Tribes and tribal housing entities should now be able to access their federal financial assistance, the National American Indian Housing Council said.
If your Tribe encounters difficulties accessing systems or receives notifications from agencies, we urge you to send comments and forward messages to [email protected].
“Nation officials and I closely followed the Trump Administration’s efforts since Monday to suspend certain federal grant funding,” President J.C. Seneca said.
American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the military at the highest rates per capita of any group but celebrations of their contributions are being erased by the Trump administration.
The Department of Defense, including all military branches, can no longer host official events for Native American Heritage Month.
For centuries, the Cherokee people have lived by the principle of Gadugi — the idea that everyone helps each other by working together.
Kalani Peʻa, a Native Hawaiian educator and performer, has added a fourth Grammy to his list of achievements.
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation are exercising their treaty rights.
NAFOA stays on top of the news so you always start your week informed and ready.
Tribes operate lending businesses under their own sovereignty. But they still face struggles.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is promising to elevate Indian issues should he be confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
The new administration of President Donald Trump continues to send conflicting messages about a controversial freeze on federal funds, resulting in ongoing uncertainty for tribal nations.
“It is time for the state to take repatriation seriously,” said Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D).
Chaos and confusion remain the order of the day for Indian Country, barely a week into the new administration of President Donald Trump.
A TV show with a Mohawk chef, a Native cookbook for kids and a change in power in federal government are on The Menu.
President Donald Trump’s sudden freeze on federal funds rattled tribes and Indian organizations that depend on the trust and treaty relationship.
Tribes operate lending businesses under their own sovereignty. But they still face struggles.
President Donald Trump has ordered sweeping immigration raids across the country. Native people feel targeted.
Doug Burgum has yet to be confirmed as the new leader of the Department of the Interior but a contentious Indian Country issue has already been dumped on his desk.
During most of the past two centuries, the country’s failed federal Indian policy inflicted a great injustice on the Cherokee Nation.
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What does it take to work in television news? Tune into Native America Calling to hear from Native professionals in the field.
Tune in to hear from the 2025 Champions for Change from the Center for Native American Youth.
With their party now in control of the U.S. Congress, Republicans are defending their record on Indian issues after Democrats sought changes to the rules on a key legislative committee.
Before taking office this week, President Donald Trump promised swift and decisive actions. How are Native people being affected?
As Indian Country celebrated the release of Leonard Peltier, the new occupant of the Oval Office began taking aim at some of the bedrock principles of the trust and treaty relationship.
The legislative panel with jurisdiction over Indian issues is meeting for the first time in the 119th Congress.
Alaska’s two Republican senators say Denali should always be known by its Native name.
U.S. presidents have used the Antiquities Act to protect sacred and important tribal sites. The law is once again under attack with Donald Trump in office.
Native people in Arizona were targeted by scammers who promised health care and services that were never delivered.
“Indians have a great sense of humor,” the late Terry Ree once said. “We pretty much had to have that or we wouldn’t be here.”
The city of Nashville granted a request to change the name of Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park in honor of Indigenous history in Tennessee.
The ‘Navajos 4 Trump’ group was selected to participate in the inaugural presidential parade on January 20, 2025.
Leonard Peltier will spend the remainder of his prison sentence at home after an 11th-hour action by former President Joe Biden.
Get your latest news on tribal finance and economic development from NAFOA.
Read the text of the executive grant of clemency to Leonard Peltier, signed by President Joe Biden on January 19, 2025.
“Leonard Peltier’s freedom today is the result of 50 years of intergenerational resistance, organizing, and advocacy,” said Nick Tilsen.
“I am grateful that Leonard can now go home to his family,” said Deb Haaland, who was the first Native person to serve in a presidential cabinet.
“Our hearts are full for Leonard Peltier, his family, and all of Indian Country as he finally gets to go home after nearly 50 years behind bars,” said Judith LeBlanc.
Leaders of some of the largest tribal nations are optimistic and hopeful as Donald Trump becomes the 47th president of the United States.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren addresses a tribal gathering on the eve of the U.S. presidential inauguration.
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley addresses a tribal gathering on the eve of the U.S. presidential inauguration.
Every time a Cherokee finds success in business creation, they are generating wealth and stability for their community.
More than 3,100 Indian students died during the genocidal Indian boarding school era, according to an investigation by The Washington Post.
TikTok, the popular video sharing platform, might soon be disappearing from the United States following a decision from the nation’s highest court.
Ted Nolan’s home on the Garden River First Nation didn’t have electricity or running water. But it did have a hockey rink in the backyard.
Read the written statement of Doug Burgum, a former governor of North Dakota, to be Secretary of the Interior.
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to issue at least 100 executive orders on his first day in office. How will Indian Country be affected?
An award-winning government employee is leading the Office of Tribal Justice at the Department of Justice.
Gov. Kristi Noem used her State of the State address to say goodbye to South Dakota.
Wildfires have killed at least 24 people and destroyed thousands of homes in southern California. Tribes and urban Indian organizations are stepping up.
Indigenous Enterprise promotes and advances Indigenous culture through the power of powwow song and dance.
A newcomer is leading the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over Indian issues.
The Orthodox New Year in Alaska is a mix of seal meat, tea cakes, and Native and Slavonic languages.
The Republican-led Senate is busy with a slew of confirmation hearings for Donald Trump’s nominees — including one of the most consequential for Indian Country.
Members of the U.S. Senate are busy with confirmation hearings for a number of president-elect Donald Trump’s nominees. Here’s the schedule.
This month we celebrate an important birthday: Our Speaker Services turns three.
Help rebuild communities and lives impacted by recent fires in southern California.
Ted Nolan’s home on the Garden River First Nation didn’t have electricity or running water. But it did have a hockey rink in the backyard.
Neal McCaleb dedicated his life to public service, a calling that led him to prominent positions in tribal, state and federal government.
Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) reintroduced a bill to protect 40 acres at the Wounded Knee Massacre site on behalf of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
The Department of Interior awarded grants to help tribal communities prepare for climate-related threats on their homelands.
When Ross Anderson was clocked at more than 154 miles per hour, he set an American speed skiing record that has yet to be broken nearly two decades later.
Tribes, the state and federal government must continue to work together for the benefit of their people, the leader of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe said.
Senate Democrats say they haven’t received even basic information about Doug Burgum, who is seeking to lead the Department of the Interior.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured a performance by Indigenous Enterprise, an award-winning dance company based in Arizona.
Despite a lack of interest from the energy industry, Republicans from Alaska think president-elect Donald Trump will help them open Arctic lands to development.
Tribal nations and the federal government are working to address affordable housing and homelessness.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has a new chair for the 119th Congress now that Republicans are in control of the chamber.
Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate are vowing to move quickly on president-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is resigning after nearly 10 years in office. What is his legacy among Indigenous peoples?
The Department of Justice is kicking off a series of consultation sessions to address a U.S. Supreme Court decision seen as detrimental to tribal sovereignty.
American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the military at the highest rates per capita of any racial or ethnic group.
Native patients aren’t liable for medical bills the Indian Health Service is supposed to pay. But federal law doesn’t stop the debt collectors.
Avoiding unnecessary debt and living within your means: How to build your own wealth.
The Senate Committee on Armed Forces has scheduled a January 14 confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth to serve as as Secretary of Defense.
Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel served as president of Diné College on the Navajo Nation. He was 63 years old.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is starting off the new year with a new government-to-government agreement.
Here’s to 2025! NAFOA looks forward to advancing opportunities in Indian Country throughout the year.
Roselyn Tso spent just over two years as director of the Indian Health Service but her career at the agency spanned more than three decades.
The 119th Congress is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2025, with both chambers of the legislative branch of the U.S. government coming under Republican control.
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