President Jefferson Keel of the National Congress of American Indians’ opening remarks of the 2018 State Of Indian Nations reminded the audience of the strength and resilience of Indian Country: “The State of Indian Nations is Strong, Resilient, and Everlasting.” He went on to say that Native people were, “here before all others, we are still here, we will ALWAYS be here.”
His message was clear. Indian Country has been overlooked for far too long, and that is unacceptable. Congress MUST respect the inherent rights of tribes as sovereign nations. The Constitution, treaties between tribes and the federal government, and law affirms the inherent rights of tribes to self-governance and establishes the trust relationship between tribes and the federal government. The federal government has an obligation to provide the resources needed to enable tribes to self-govern and to effectively deliver essential services to tribal communities. As President Keel confirms, this trust relationship is in place to provide much needed resources to tribes, this exchange is “Not a handout, it’s a contract.”
Part of this trust relationship is the recognition that interactions between tribes and the government is a nation-to-nation interaction. Tribes are self-governing entities who must be involved in the decision-making process for any policies affecting tribes. Tribal consultation was missing from the 2017 tax overhaul and while FCNL recognizes the insufficiencies of this flawed tax policy, both FCNL and NCAI points out the lack of tribal priorities within this tax bill. Despite the proposals and recommendations made by tribal leaders to include tribes in any tax overhaul, Congress left Indian Country’s priorities out of the policy.
President Keel emphasized the need for tribal consultation and the inclusion of Indian Country’s priorities, especially tribal endeavors in the agricultural business. “From wild rice and bison to salmon and blueberries, traditional Native foods are not only our way of life but are an economic driver too.” Indian Country’s involvement in agricultural business is a \$3.2 billion dollar industry, which accounts for the development of 72,000 jobs. The 2018 Farm Bill needs to both recognize the impact Indian agriculture has played in the economy, and to acknowledge and support tribe’s rights to economic self-sufficiency.
Another key point touched upon in the address is the need to protect Native resources and sacred sites. Since time immemorial, Native people have been the stewards of this land using indigenous knowledge and values to sustain the land. Maintaining the traditional connections tribes have to the land is essential for cultural survival. This means allowing tribes access to sacred sites and involving tribes in any policy-making that affects these sites. President Trump’s decision to remove the protections on Bears Ears, a sacred site for many tribes, was done without tribal consultation. This lack of consultation violates the trust relationship.
Senator Tom Udall’s response to the State of Indian Nations echoed Keel’s call to honor the trust responsibilities. His dedication to respecting tribal sovereignty, promoting tribal self-determination, and engaging in meaningful government to government consultation on policies affecting Indian Country are principles that all members of Congress have the moral and legal obligation to follow.
Overall, the State on Indian Nations emphasized the need to support tribal economies by removing barriers to development. That means providing tribes the same opportunities and resources to invest in economic development and infrastructure as Congress provides state and local governments.
FCNL continues to stand by our message to “Honor the Promises.” Our advocacy work will continue to follow the decree of President Keel and hold Congress accountable in fulfilling its trust responsibilities to Indian Country.
