Haaland highlights historic progress for Indian Country

WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland opened the fourth White House Tribal Nations Summit under the Biden-Harris administration, emphasizing the significant strides made in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. She highlighted transformational investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and noted the historic advancements in empowering Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and prosperity.

Reinstated by President Biden in 2021, the White House Tribal Nations Summit brought together the administration and Tribal leaders from 574 federally recognized Tribes to discuss strengthening nation-to-nation relationships and ensuring ongoing progress in Indian Country.

Secretary Haaland began by expressing gratitude to the Native American Women Warriors Color Guard and the Warpaint Drummers, recognizing their contributions to the Summit. She reflected on the early days of her role, firmly stating her commitment to achieving lasting progress for Indian

Country.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, she celebrated the foundational shift it represented, allowing Tribes to decide the best course for their communities after years of adversity.

Haaland noted, “A half-century later, we are still here, charting our own course,” and affirmed the extraordinary accomplishments achieved alongside the Biden-Harris administration.

Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative: She acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by past federal policies, particularly boarding schools, and discussed the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative launched in her early months in office. The initiative, which has illuminated the dark legacy of these institutions, has led to a significant investigative report and the creation of The Road to Healing, aimed at connecting with survivors and understanding the lasting impact on their communities.

A major announcement highlighted new agreements with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the U.S. Library of Congress to preserve and share survivor stories through diverse resources, showcasing enduring progress.

Tribal Co-Stewardship: Additionally, Secretary Haaland presented the administration’s commitment to co-stewardship of lands and waters, mentioning an increase in co-stewardship agreements. She emphasized the importance of Tribal involvement in land management and the administration’s focus on environmental stewardship.

Investment in Indian Country: The Secretary expressed pride in the administration’s investments in Indian Country, including fulfilling long-awaited water rights settlements. She announced a new $65 million investment aligned with these settlements, representing a significant step toward resolving overdue claims.

With funding efforts totaling around $45 billion, she stressed the necessity for greater access to capital for Tribes, highlighting the successful initiatives under the Buy Indian Act, which have significantly increased funding for Native businesses.

Access to Capital: Efforts to improve funding for Native-owned businesses were highlighted, including a significant increase in contracts awarded to such enterprises.

Tribal Community Vision Partnership: In collaboration with various federal partners, she introduced the Tribal Community Vision Partnership, aimed at raising $1.2 billion over the next seven years to support Tribal community development, clean energy initiatives, and small business growth.

As she concluded her address, Secretary Haaland expressed inspiration from the progress made, reflecting on the journey her community took to secure a voice in governance. She emphasized the importance of continued engagement and vigilance to protect the advancements achieved.

“Everything that we accomplished was real and tangible,” she stated, encouraging everyone to keep striving for continued progress.

Her closing message was one of gratitude, highlighting the collective effort in fostering a better future for Indian Country and the importance of unity and respect for the journey ahead.

Events featuring speeches and panel discussions, can be viewed through a livestream on the Interior Department’s YouTube page.

(Contact Ernestine Anunkasan Hopa at editor@nativesunnews. today)

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