{"id":39767,"date":"2026-02-06T20:00:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T01:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/watchman-testifies-on-improving-federal-economic-development-in-indian-country\/"},"modified":"2026-02-06T20:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T01:00:12","slug":"watchman-testifies-on-improving-federal-economic-development-in-indian-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/watchman-testifies-on-improving-federal-economic-development-in-indian-country\/","title":{"rendered":"Watchman testifies on improving Federal Economic Development in Indian Country"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Chairman<\/a><\/p>\n

Chairman Derrick Watchman testifies before the House Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee. (Courtesy photo)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Derrick Watchman, Chairman of the Board for The National Center for American Indian Economic Development, testified today before a House Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee hearing focused on federal economic development programs in Indian Country. Watchman shared some of The National Center\u2019s policy priorities and provided specific examples of how existing statutes could function better and legislation that would boost economic opportunity across tribal communities. Watchman was invited to testify on behalf of The National Center by Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Teresa Leger-Fernandez (D-NM).<\/p>\n

Joining Chairman Watchman at the hearing, titled \u201cMaking Federal Economic Development Programs Work in Indian Country,\u201d were Hope Silvas, Chairwoman of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes; Rodney Butler, President of the Native American Finance Officers Association\u2019s Board of Directors and Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation; and Haven Harris, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Native American Contractors Association.<\/p>\n

\"Pictured<\/a><\/p>\n

Pictured (L-R) are Chairman Rodney Butler, Chairman Watchman, Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Ranking Member Teresa Leger-Fernandez (D-NM), Chairwoman Hope Silvas, and Haven Harris. (Courtesy photo)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As Chairman Watchman noted in his testimony, The National Center has been involved in federal economic development policy since shortly after the organization\u2019s founding in 1969: \u201cThe National Center took advocacy into its own hands to broaden existing programs and create new ones specifically designed to overcome barriers to business and procurement assistance, capital access, employment opportunities, and other development tools.\u201d \u201cFor decades, The National Center has utilized federal grants and cooperative agreements to deliver our services and expertise to tribes and Native entrepreneurs,\u201d said Chairman Watchman. \u201cThough Congress authorized these programs with worthy aspirations, agencies often complicate their deployment and effectiveness. We know they can be strengthened with legislative fixes and Departments fulfilling their statutory requirements. The National Center looks forward to working with the Subcommittee to ensure bipartisan economic development programs work for the people and communities they are meant to benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Federal economic development priorities identified by The National Center include:<\/p>\n

Implementation of the NATIVE Act to bolster tourism in tribal and Native communities. The National Center entered into a cooperative agreement with Department of Interior (DOI) that led to the creation of the Native Edge Tourism Technical Assistance Center, yet that program has been paused and it is unclear how Congressionally appropriated NATIVE Act money is being spent.<\/p>\n

Reauthorization of the Indian Incubators Program with increased annual funding so the Bureau of Indian Affairs can seek additional applicants.<\/p>\n

Full Buy Indian Act compliance (and required reporting) at DOI and the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure required contracts and purchases with qualified Indian economic enterprises.<\/p>\n

Strengthen the Indian Loan Guarantee Program by recruiting new hires with banking experience.<\/p>\n

Appointment of a qualified Native professional as Director of the Office of Native American Business Development at the Department of Commerce and deploy $2.3 million from MBDA funds to the Office, as Congress directed in its FY2026 Joint Explanatory Statement on Commerce Appropriations.<\/p>\n

Appointment of qualified Native professionals at other long-vacant senior positions in the Executive Branch.<\/p>\n

Authorization of the Small Business Administration\u2019s Office of Native Affairs.<\/p>\n

Passage of Tribal Tax and Investment Reform legislation to eliminate the \u201cessential governmental function\u201d restrictions on tribal government bond issuances and provide for parity in tax treatment of Tribal Nations as taxing authorities.<\/p>\n

You can watch the hearing and view hearing documents, including witness testimony, on the House Natural Resources Committee\u2019s website. Chairman Watchman\u2019s testimony is also available on The National Center\u2019s website. The National Center will be releasing an updated Policy Brief, developed in conjunction with 17 other Native-serving organizations, in the coming days.<\/p>\n

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Since 1969, we have been a driving force for the advancement of Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses. Through training, programming, and subject-matter expertise, The National Center has become the preeminent non-profit in the United States focused on the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian economies. \u201cWe Mean Business\u201d is our motto \u2013 a testament to our tireless dedication to helping tribes, tribally owned businesses, and Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive. Our work has improved countless lives and communities, both now and for future generations.<\/p>\n

CONTACT: Lewis Lowe, lewis@ncaied.or<\/a>g or 202-704-0465<\/p>\n

The post Watchman testifies on improving Federal Economic Development in Indian Country<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Chairman Derrick Watchman testifies before the House Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee. (Courtesy photo) WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Derrick Watchman, Chairman of the Board for The National Center for American Indian Economic Development, testified today before a House Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee hearing focused on federal economic development programs in <\/p>\n

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Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> February 6, 2026<\/p>\n

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