Executive Director's Corner | |
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Yá’át’ééh,
After three long weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives finally has a speaker and Congress can resume it’s legislative duties. Congressman Mike Johnson has been selected to serve as the next Speaker of the House capturing support from 220 republican house members. Over the coming weeks, Speaker Johnson will need to balance the diverse priorities within his party to address urgent national and international issues, advance vital legislation, and promote unity for the benefit of all Americans. The most pressing issues for the Navajo Nation include: extending and expanding funding for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, currently an amendment within the National Defense Authorization Act; amending the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project to ensure the Project has the funding necessary to be completed in a reasonable time; and approving a comprehensive spending plan by November 17th, to avoid a government shutdown and ensure stability and effective planning within the government's various departments and agencies.
Additionally, the Navajo Nation Washington Office has the honor of hosting our Naat’áanii, President Buu Nygren as well as leaders within the Executive Branch to include Attorney General Ethel Branch, Public Safety Division Director Mike Anderson, Chief of Police Darryl Noon, Deputy Chief of Police Leonard Redhorse, and Chief Prosecutor Vernon Jackson. The President and team met with top officials from the U.S. Department of Justice, including the Attorney General of the United States, to discuss public safety needs for the Navajo Nation, civil litigation matters, and challenges/concerns with programmatic funding.
Additionally, in this week's issue of the Wááshindoon Weekly, we focus on key developments in Native American affairs, highlighting several stories that have a direct impact on the Navajo Nation.
In our first story, we cover the decision by the state of New Mexico to end the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force. This development is met with concern as little progress had been made, and we delve into the implications of this decision, shedding light on the challenges surrounding public safety and the urgent need for continued efforts to address violence against Native American women.
Moving on to the second story, we highlight the partnership between the Cherokee Nation and the Department of Veteran Affairs. This collaboration aims to establish a veteran affairs clinic within the Cherokee reservation, enhancing healthcare services and accessibility for Cherokee veterans and indigenous communities. We explore the significance of this partnership and its potential impact on improving the well-being of Native American veterans.
In our third story, we focus on the recent announcements by the U.S. Department of Education regarding awards for preserving Native American languages. We examine the details of these awards and their importance in revitalizing and safeguarding Indigenous languages. Emphasizing the value of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage, we highlight the positive steps taken to preserve Native American languages and support educational initiatives.
Lastly, we cover a policy change by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aimed at bridging the digital divide within the education sector. We discuss the implications of this policy change for Native American communities, particularly in terms of enhancing internet connectivity and technology resources. The potential positive impact on educational opportunities and outcomes for Native American students is emphasized, reflecting the commitment to addressing educational disparities.
We hope you enjoy this week's newsletter and look forward to the coming weeks as we prepare for other high level events with our Navajo Leaders.
Until next time, Ahéheeʼ
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Photo Source: Navajo Nation Council | |
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New Mexico Ends Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force
Following four years of determined and transformative efforts, New Mexico's Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs Cabinet Secretary Designate James Mountain have concluded the operations of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Task Force. This pioneering task force, established through the passage of NM House Bill 278 in 2019 and further extended by the Governor's 2021 Executive Order, brought together representatives from tribal nations, state legislators, and community advocates. The group worked in close collaboration with local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement to tackle the distressing MMIWR crisis in New Mexico.
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U.S. Department of Education Announces Awards to Preserve Native American Languages
On October 17th, a decision by the U.S. Department of Education marked a hopeful future for the preservation of Native American languages and the enrichment of their educational experiences. Announcing a series of new awards, the department unveiled plans designed not only to celebrate and protect indigenous linguistic heritages but also to bolster Native American education from the grassroots up.
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Cherokee Nation Partners with the Department of Veteran Affairs to open a Veterans Affairs Clinic
In a groundbreaking step towards addressing health care disparities among Veterans in rural areas, the Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have launched a landmark partnership. This alliance has given birth to a VA clinic housed within the Cherokee Nation’s Vinita Health Center, offering services to Veterans of both Native and non-Native descent.
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Photo Source: Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice-President | |
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FCC Promotes Digital Inclusion
In a landmark decision on October 19, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enacted a crucial policy change aimed at bridging the digital divide in the education sector. By a slim margin of 3-2, the commission voted to significantly broaden Wi-Fi accessibility on school buses, a move that stands to transform the learning environment for many students.
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Photo Source: Ian Sane/OpenVerse | |
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Tribal Sovereignty: It’s the Law
A contentious dispute revolving around the Enbridge Energy oil and natural gas pipeline, which transects the reservation of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe, has sparked an intense discourse over the sanctity of Tribal Sovereignty. On October 18th, a formidable coalition of thirty-two federally recognized Native American tribes and allied organizations, amongst which the Navajo Nation is a prominent member, presented an assertive case in the Seventh Circuit. The core of their argument hinges on the fundamental principle of Tribal Sovereignty.
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Additional News and Updates | |
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Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation
This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation (FEMA–4703–DR), dated 04/11/2023.
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IHS Health Information Technology Modernization
Announcing an opportunity for interested Tribal and Urban Indian Organization sites to become directly involved in the collaborative planning for the new IHS enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution.
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HUD-ONAP National Tribal Housing Summit
October 31 - November 2, 2023
The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) and the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is hosting the HUD-ONAP National Tribal Housing Summit at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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80th Annual Convention & Marketplace
November 12-17, 2023
This November, NCAI will be hosting the 80th Annual Convention and Marketplace to provide an opportunity to work collaboratively on protecting and advancing tribal sovereignty. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and partners from across Indian Country will gather in-person to discuss critical issues, develop strategy, and to embark upon a new era of Nation-to-Nation engagement.
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs
Written comments due regarding Agency Information Collection Activities; Individual Indian Money (IIM) Instructions for Disbursement of Funds and Change of Address.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/The Administration for Children and Families
October 30, 2023
Tribal Consultation on Foster Care Legal Representation.
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U.S. Department of the Treasury
Written comments due regarding the Increased Credit or Deduction Amounts for Satisfying Certain Prevailing Wage and Registered Apprenticeship Requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency
Tribal Consultation on the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program.
Comment Deadline: November 1, 2023
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The Internal Revenue Service
Proposed amendments to regulations applicable to affiliated groups of corporations that file consolidated Federal income tax returns.
Comment deadline: November 6, 2023.
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The Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ)
November 7, 2023
Invitation to tribal governments to provide input on the Indian Child Welfare Act and what steps the agencies can take to promote federal protections for Indian children and their parents and caregivers. DOI, HHS, and DOJ are hosting an additional Tribal Consultation on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Comment Deadline: January 12, 2024
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Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with Self-Governance Funding Agreements
November 29, 2023
A tribal consultation on the calculation and distribution process of Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with self-governance funding agreements with the Department of the Interior (Department) and Indian Affairs. The CSC is vital funding to Indian Country, and the Department is committed to ensuring calculations are accurate and paid according to law.
Comment Deadline: December 29, 2023
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The Office of Science and Technology Policy
Seeks information to assist in developing a coordinated Federal strategy to identify and address gaps in science, data, and research related to environmental justice. Information received through this RFI will inform the biennial Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan. They are looking for recommendations on ethical standards, privacy protections, and other requirements for the development and use of science, data, and research addressed in the Research Plan, including recommendations with respect to engaging in consultation with and obtaining consent of Tribal Nations. They are also looking for recommendations on collaboration with Tribal Nations for collecting, maintaining, and analyzing information on consumption patterns of fish, wildlife, and plants related to subsistence and cultural practices of Tribal and Indigenous populations.
Comment Deadline: December 12, 2023
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Social Security Administration
Written comments due regarding SSA policies, procedures, and priorities and to assist in providing strong consultations, round table discussions, and listening sessions.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Indian Health Service
Written comments due regarding Information Collection: Application for Participation in the IHS Scholarship Program.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with Self-Governance Funding Agreements
November 1, 2023
A tribal consultation on the calculation and distribution process of Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with self-governance funding agreements with the Department of the Interior (Department) and Indian Affairs. The CSC is vital funding to Indian Country, and the Department is committed to ensuring calculations are accurate and paid according to law.
Comment Deadline: December 29, 2023
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U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program.
Comment Deadline: November 2, 2023
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Indian Health Service (IHS)
November 8, 2023
Hosting a series of consultations on the Health Information Technology (IT) Modernization Program. Virtual consultations will take place on November 8, 2023 and will cover different aspects of the Modernization effort.
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Proposed rule for Tree Care Operations
November 9, 2023
The agency currently applies a patchwork of standards and the OSH Act’s general duty clause, 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1), to attempt to address these hazards. However, the relatively high frequency of fatalities and injuries for workers facing these hazards indicates that further regulation may be needed. OSHA is therefore considering whether it should promulgate a new Tree Care Operations standard for both general industry and construction work.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Held a listening session and tribal consultation on July 27, 2023 to begin the process to update FEMA’s tribal mitigation planning policy.
Comment deadline: November 30, 2023.
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The Administration for Children and Families
Requesting proposed revisions to an approved information collection the Tribal Child Support Enforcement Direct Funding Requests—(Office of Management and Budget (OMB) #0970-0218, expiration March 31, 2026). We are proposing a new requirement for tribes or tribal organizations to provide that charging fees and recovering costs will not be permitted.
Comments deadline: December 12, 2023
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Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care
Requesting public comment on the rules and regulations of the Tribally administered Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program as part of the Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) commitment to creating partnerships with Tribal Nations to identify and implement solutions that transcend traditional program boundaries.
Comment deadline: January 2, 2024.
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For more information regarding topics provided in the newsletter, please contact NNWO at info@nnwo.org. | | |
Navajo Nation Washington Office | www.nnwo.org | | | | |
