Latest news with #Macarro
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Native nations are concerned that Trump's cuts have the potential to violate trust responsibilities
Graham Lee Brewer Associated Press NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — In Native nations across the United States, leaders are scrambling to respond to a directive from President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to close more than a quarter of Bureau of Indian Affairs offices, which provide vital services to Indigenous communities. Trump and Musk are calling on the General Services Administration, or GSA, to begin terminating leases on all of the roughly 7,500 federal offices nationwide, including 25 regional offices of the BIA. Those offices fulfill a wide variety of rights the U.S. owes to tribal nations, and some leaders and legal experts are worried the potential closures, layoffs and funding freezes could violate those trust responsibilities. "It's a destabilizing action," said Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of the American Indian. "I really have to think we have to assume the worst, unfortunately." In the many treaties the U.S. signed with tribal nations, it outlined several rights owed to them — like land rights and healthcare through departments established later, like Indian Health Services. Trust responsibilities are the legal and moral obligations the U.S. has to protect and uphold those rights. Tribes go through BIA regional offices to approve things like road projects and law enforcement funding. The move to close the regional offices is part of a sweeping effort by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, led by Musk to reduce the size and spending of the federal government. Funding for the BIA, IHS and the Bureau of Indian Education represents the lion's share of the government's obligations to tribes, Macarro said, and last year those departments made up less than a quarter of 1% of the federal budget. "They're looking in the wrong place to be doing this," said Macarro. "And what's frustrating is that we know that DOGE couldn't be a more uninformed group of people behind the switch. They need to know, come up to speed real quick, on what treaty rights and trust responsibility means." Part of those trust responsibilities is consulting with tribes on matters that affect their citizens, said Jacqueline De León, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, which represents tribes protecting their treaty rights. "In the case of BIE cuts, this type of action taken without consultation is rare and in clear violation of the law," she said. In February, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescinded an order to lay off 950 IHS employees, hours after they had been told by phone they were being fired. A Jan. 30 order from the Interior Department titled "Ending DEI Programs and Gender Ideology Extremism" stated that any efforts to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion in the department's policy should exclude trust obligations to tribal nations. In a letter sent Thursday to GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian and exclusively shared with The Associated Press, Arizona Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly expressed serious concern about the announced closure of the BIA's regional office in Phoenix, one of the department's largest. "Its closure will severely limit access for all of these tribes to essential services ranging from economic development to child social services to water system improvements," the senators wrote. "The federal government is at serious risk of failing at its most basic obligations, including breaking long-held promises to tribes." The senators asked Ehikian to explain how the Phoenix office was chosen for closure and how the government will meet its trust responsibilities if it is shuttered. A spokesperson for the GSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Vital federal departments for tribes like the BIA and IHS have been chronically underfunded and understaffed. That often means the contracts and projects those agencies are required to approve for tribal nations are already delayed, said Martin Harvier, president of the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community in Phoenix. "If they're going to start shutting down the office, that means all of us on the other end are waiting for a response, and it just delays things that we're trying to move forward," he said. "Whether it be a family waiting for a probate to happen or a family waiting for a lease so they can build a home on their lot or economic development." Harvier said he has been assured by staff at the Phoenix office that its inclusion on the list of closures was a mistake, but he and other tribal leaders he is speaking with are uncertain about the days ahead. "I think all of the tribal nations are just very concerned right now," he said. "We just don't know what to expect."
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tribal nations are concerned that Trump's cuts have the potential to violate trust responsibilities
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — In tribal nations across the United States, leaders are scrambling to respond to a directive from President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to close more than a quarter of Bureau of Indian Affairs offices, which provide vital services to Indigenous communities. Trump and Musk are calling on the General Services Administration, or GSA, to begin terminating leases on all of the roughly 7,500 federal offices nationwide, including 25 regional offices of the BIA. Those offices fulfill a wide variety of rights the U.S. owes to tribal nations, and some leaders and legal experts are worried the potential closures, layoffs and funding freezes could violate those trust responsibilities. 'It's a destabilizing action,' said Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of the American Indian. "I really have to think we have to assume the worst, unfortunately." See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. In the many treaties the U.S. signed with tribal nations, it outlined several rights owed to them — like land rights and healthcare through departments established later, like Indian Health Services. Trust responsibilities are the legal and moral obligations the U.S. has to protect and uphold those rights. Tribes go through BIA regional offices to approve things like road projects and law enforcement funding. The move to close the regional offices is part of a sweeping effort by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, led by Musk to reduce the size and spending of the federal government. Funding for the BIA, IHS and the Bureau of Indian Education represents the lion's share of the government's obligations to tribes, Macarro said, and last year those departments made up less than a quarter of 1% of the federal budget. 'They're looking in the wrong place to be doing this," said Macarro. "And what's frustrating is that we know that DOGE couldn't be a more uninformed group of people behind the switch. They need to know, come up to speed real quick, on what treaty rights and trust responsibility means.' Part of those trust responsibilities is consulting with tribes on matters that affect their citizens, said Jacqueline De León, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, which represents tribes protecting their treaty rights. 'This type of action taken without consultation is rare and in clear violation of the law,' she said. In February, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescinded an order to lay off 950 IHS employees, hours after they had been told by phone they were being fired. A Jan. 30 order from the Interior Department titled 'Ending DEI Programs and Gender Ideology Extremism' stated that any efforts to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion in the department's policy should exclude trust obligations to tribal nations. In a letter sent Thursday to GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian and exclusively shared with The Associated Press, Arizona Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly expressed serious concern about the announced closure of the BIA's regional office in Phoenix, one of the department's largest. 'Its closure will severely limit access for all of these tribes to essential services ranging from economic development to child social services to water system improvements,' the senators wrote. "The federal government is at serious risk of failing at its most basic obligations, including breaking long-held promises to tribes.' The senators asked Ehikian to explain how the Phoenix office was chosen for closure and how the government will meet its trust responsibilities if it is shuttered. A spokesperson for the GSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Vital federal departments for tribes like the BIA and IHS have been chronically underfunded and understaffed. That often means the contracts and projects those agencies are required to approve for tribal nations are already delayed, said Martin Harvier, president of the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community in Phoenix. 'If they're going to start shutting down the office, that means all of us on the other end are waiting for a response, and it just delays things that we're trying to move forward,' he said. 'Whether it be a family waiting for a probate to happen or a family waiting for a lease so they can build a home on their lot or economic development.' Harvier said he has been assured by staff at the Phoenix office that its inclusion on the list of closures was a mistake, but he and other tribal leaders he is speaking with are uncertain about the days ahead. 'I think all of the tribal nations are just very concerned right now,' he said. 'We just don't know what to expect.'
Associated Press
07-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Tribal nations are concerned that Trump's cuts have the potential to violate trust responsibilities
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — In tribal nations across the United States, leaders are scrambling to respond to a directive from President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to close more than a quarter of Bureau of Indian Affairs offices, which provide vital services to Indigenous communities. Trump and Musk are calling on the General Services Administration, or GSA, to begin terminating leases on all of the roughly 7,500 federal offices nationwide, including 25 regional offices of the BIA. Those offices fulfill a wide variety of rights the U.S. owes to tribal nations, and some leaders and legal experts are worried the potential closures, layoffs and funding freezes could violate those trust responsibilities. 'It's a destabilizing action,' said Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of the American Indian. 'I really have to think we have to assume the worst, unfortunately.' In the many treaties the U.S. signed with tribal nations, it outlined several rights owed to them — like land rights and healthcare through departments established later, like Indian Health Services. Trust responsibilities are the legal and moral obligations the U.S. has to protect and uphold those rights. Tribes go through BIA regional offices to approve things like road projects and law enforcement funding. The move to close the regional offices is part of a sweeping effort by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, led by Musk to reduce the size and spending of the federal government. Funding for the BIA, IHS and the Bureau of Indian Education represents the lion's share of the government's obligations to tribes, Macarro said, and last year those departments made up less than a quarter of 1% of the federal budget. 'They're looking in the wrong place to be doing this,' said Macarro. 'And what's frustrating is that we know that DOGE couldn't be a more uninformed group of people behind the switch. They need to know, come up to speed real quick, on what treaty rights and trust responsibility means.' Part of those trust responsibilities is consulting with tribes on matters that affect their citizens, said Jacqueline De León, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, which represents tribes protecting their treaty rights. 'This type of action taken without consultation is rare and in clear violation of the law,' she said. In February, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescinded an order to lay off 950 IHS employees, hours after they had been told by phone they were being fired. A Jan. 30 order from the Interior Department titled 'Ending DEI Programs and Gender Ideology Extremism' stated that any efforts to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion in the department's policy should exclude trust obligations to tribal nations. In a letter sent Thursday to GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian and exclusively shared with The Associated Press, Arizona Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly expressed serious concern about the announced closure of the BIA's regional office in Phoenix, one of the department's largest. 'Its closure will severely limit access for all of these tribes to essential services ranging from economic development to child social services to water system improvements,' the senators wrote. 'The federal government is at serious risk of failing at its most basic obligations, including breaking long-held promises to tribes.' The senators asked Ehikian to explain how the Phoenix office was chosen for closure and how the government will meet its trust responsibilities if it is shuttered. A spokesperson for the GSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Vital federal departments for tribes like the BIA and IHS have been chronically underfunded and understaffed. That often means the contracts and projects those agencies are required to approve for tribal nations are already delayed, said Martin Harvier, president of the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community in Phoenix. 'If they're going to start shutting down the office, that means all of us on the other end are waiting for a response, and it just delays things that we're trying to move forward,' he said. 'Whether it be a family waiting for a probate to happen or a family waiting for a lease so they can build a home on their lot or economic development.' Harvier said he has been assured by staff at the Phoenix office that its inclusion on the list of closures was a mistake, but he and other tribal leaders he is speaking with are uncertain about the days ahead. 'I think all of the tribal nations are just very concerned right now,' he said. 'We just don't know what to expect.'
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Indian Country must work together to face ‘gathering clouds'
Kolby KickingWomanICTIndian Country remains strong and on the rise but must not ignore 'gathering clouds' stemming from the torrent of executive actions in the first month of the Trump Administration. As has been the tradition, National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro, Pechanga Band of Indians, opened the 2025 Executive Council Winter Session with the State of Indian Nations in Washington, D.C., Monday morning. The last year had a number of moments that inspired hope, Macarro said, from Lily Gladstone's momentous Oscar nomination to former President Joe Biden's apology for the federal government's role in boarding schools to the historic number of Native people who ran for, and won, seats in political offices across the country. Still, Indian Country must remain focused to face the challenges in the months and years to come.'It's been a tumultuous first few weeks of the new administration, but Indian Country continues to have both the acumen and the tools it needs to push back where needed and to protect each other where needed,' Macarro said. While there has been 'confusion and chaos,' Macarro stressed the importance of upholding tribal sovereignty and holding federal policy makers accountable to treaty obligations and the government-to-government relationship with tribes.'This moment demands vigilance from all of us. I know tribal communities are debating how to respond to the actions of the new administration. Well, I strongly affirm it's time to speak up. It's time to stand up,' Macarro said. 'Tribal leadership must hold the federal government accountable to these commitments. That's why we are here.'While Indian Country faces no shortage of challenges, Macarro called for investments in health care, education, and the justice system. No matter who is in the White House, Macarro said there is room to work together on shared priorities.'These include reducing unnecessary regulations, streamlining federal funding mechanisms for critical tribal priorities and economic development, strengthening tribal self determination and addressing long standing tax issues that are historic impediments to tribal economic growth,' Macarro said. 'As we face these federal challenges, one thing remains clear, strong leadership within Indian Country and across intertribal organizations is essential.'Prior to Macarro, National Congress of American Indian Youth Commission co-presidents Madison Brown, Seneca Nation, and Angelina Serna, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, provided a vision for the years ahead from a youth face the global challenges of today, from climate change to social inequality, Indigenous voices must have more than just a seat at the table. 'In this critical moment, there is a truth that we cannot afford to ignore. Indigenous perspectives must be at the heart of how we address these challenges. For too long, the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous people have been sidelined, dismissed, misunderstood and misappropriated,' Serna said. 'Yet our reciprocal relationship with the land, our sustainable practices and our values of community are precisely what the world needs today. This isn't just a matter of seeking a seat at the table. It's about ensuring that the voices and knowledge of Indigenous people shape the conversation and guide the solutions. We come together today, not only to honor our people, but to boldly claim our rightful place in the shaping of tomorrow.'They both called for a more inclusive education system, one that reflects indigenous cultures and values; along with language revitalization. Equally important, Brown called for tribal leaders to invest in Native youth as the leaders of tomorrow. 'Native youth are breaking down executive orders and yearning to understand what's happening in the House, Senate and legalities behind the actions. I ask the leaders within the room to begin to advance youth leadership programs, to promote the understanding of policy and legislative processes within your tribal, state and the federal government,' Brown said. 'By promoting the understanding of policy and legislative processes and democracy within Native youth, Indian country will be better equipped to navigate any and all political challenges.'Each year, a member of Congress is selected to give a congressional response. That role was filled by Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum. She praised Brown and Serna for their address.'Wow, I have to tell you, as a mother, as an auntie and as a social studies teacher, those two young adult women, they rocked it,' McCollum said as she called for the audience to give the youth an additional round of applause. 'They spoke to the heart of what brought me to Congress, and that's to make sure we leave, there's all kinds of phrases we use; the ladder down, the window open, the door ajar, to give them the space to make our nation and your nations great,' McCollum Congress, McCollum emphasized that they need to hear from tribal leaders in real time about what is happening on the ground in Indian Country and that there is a commitment to solve problems as they pop up. With funding for Indian Country dispersed across a number of federal agencies, McCollum also spoke on the importance of advanced appropriations.'If we are being serious about respecting your sovereignty, honoring our trust and treaty obligations, that cannot get caught up in minutia and saying, 'Oh, well, we'll fix that later,' it needs to be fixed before anything more happens,' McCollum said. 'The funding that you need to provide your programs needs to be delivered on time and responsibly.'Indian Country has allies and advocates on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill and working side-by-side tribes will produce the best outcomes. 'We are only an instrument that's as good as the tool makers,' she said. 'You are the people creating the instruments that we use helping us understand what they need to look like in order to serve your communities.'There will be unseen challenges but also opportunities in the years ahead. Macarro finished how he started, declaring with the utmost confidence the strength of Indian Country. 'We have all we need to face whatever is coming, it's in us,' Macarro said to wrap up his speech. 'We need to do it together. So as long as we do it together, we will be strong as we face these next few years and do what needs to be done.'The full 2025 State of Indian Nations can be played back here. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Native leaders call on Senate committee to fulfill trust responsibilities
Kalle BenallieICT The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing Wednesday to hear from leaders of Indigenous organizations about issues that are the most important to them so the committee can decide what Native policy issues to prioritize. Newly installed Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski began the hearing by addressing how the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget directives have affected federal funding for tribes and tribal programs. She said she has spoken to the new administration and the president's nominees. 'We've sent a letter to OMB urging them to acknowledge that tribes have a unique political status and to clarify across the federal government that as the administration carries out its initiatives, it does so in a way that respects this unique political status and the federal government's responsibility to Native people,' Murkowski said. Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of American Indians and chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians, said federal funding should continue to be allocated for tribes and tribal programs, including for Indian Health Services' staffing and public safety and justice programs. 'Reduction to an already short-staffed health care provider does not honor the legal and political obligations made to tribal nations, it puts lives at risk, ' Macarro said. 'We thank Congress for its recent steps to strengthen its treaty and trust obligations through its continued support of IHS advanced appropriations. However, reducing healthcare professionals that serve our citizens and communities is a step in the wrong direction.' Macarro urged the passing of HR741 to elevate the position of Director of the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health. William Smith, chairperson and Alaska area representative of the National Indian Health Board, told the committee that Congress needs to fund Indian Health services and honor federal responsibilities of Native healthcare if Medicare should be reformed. Smith, Valdez Native Tribe, said it is important for Congress to strengthen tribal behavioral health programs, traditional healing services, and maternal and infant services. 'We stand ready to work with this committee on this endeavor. In conclusion, the federal government made promises in the tribal treaties to provide for, among other things, healthcare of tribal citizens,' Smith said. Rodney Butler, board president of the Native American Financial Officers Association and chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, told the committee that tribal governments need to be considered as states for key tax purposes and Congress should address tribal tax parity legislation, providing tribal governments full parity with state and local governments in accessing tax-exempt bond financing. He also stressed the need for creation of an annual $175 million in new market tax credits for low-income tribal communities. 'It is important to mention that tribally owned entities under the umbrella of the tribal government are critical to create jobs and to supplement funding for tribal programs that are underfunded in the federal government, ' Butler said. Butler said the Treasury Department's Office of Tribal and Native Affairs should be made permanent and the Tribal Treasury Advisory Committee also should be continued. 'These entities are essential partners for tribal governments and their business entities. They allow for efficient and effective consultation and communication and ensuring that tribes can access tax incentives and economic development tools, " Butler said. Kerry Bird, board president of the National Indian Education Association, told the committee that Congress needs to affirm the political status of Native students, provide consistent and adequate funding, expand tribal self-governance in education, provide culturally relevant early childhood education programs and to improve Bureau of Indian Education facilities. 'Members of the committee, the stakes are high. By supporting Native education, you're not only investing in the future of our youth but also strengthening the resilience and sovereignty of tribal nations and ultimately the success of the United States,' said Bird, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Lumbee. Kūhiō Lewis, chief executive officer of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, said Congress needs to include Native Hawaiians in programs like the Office of Indian Energy and should also increase the funding of the American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act for Native Hawaiians to remain on their homelands. He also stressed the importance of Native Hawaiian education funds. 'What we're asking for is for the continued recognition and support of our Native Hawaiian people and Hawaii, and we'll do our part to continue to support our people,' Lewis said. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter!
