That’s a difficult sentiment to express in the midst of some real difficulties. So, all I would say is the respect and dignity that every human being deserves ought to be on display anytime you're having these sorts of situations. We haven't perfected it, but I think we're making some progress. I think we're trying to do that in the United States in terms of Indian Country versus the rest of the country. I would just remind people that there's a way to balance rights. That's what we Cherokees say, and we have a history of being dispossessed from our land. You're talking about people who say that they've been on the land from time immemorial. Hoskin: I do think there are some parallels. What I have seen over the years is, you get a new administration in, it takes a while for the relationships to be built up, for executive orders on consultation to translate down to agencies. Hoskin: To the extent that it's criticism: The federal government's a big ship, it's tough to steer. The American Rescue Plan has enabled us to do things that may seem small to the rest of the world, like putting a cell tower in a community that didn't have cellphone access, by improving water systems. The bipartisan infrastructure deal has been important for the Cherokee Nation. Hoskin: I think overall, it's been very, very positive. What’s your assessment of how the administration has succeeded and where it could do better? VOA: The Biden administration says it will release at this summit a report card of sorts. So, a more efficient, streamlined process in terms of getting funding out. The most important thing for the Cherokee Nation, I think - and all tribes - is the efficient deployment of resources, and then allowing tribes to decide how to use those resources. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.: It’s to press the administration on meeting America's commitment but also learn more about what their plans are. VOA: What are your goals for your half-million citizens at this summit? This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. of the Cherokee Nation, one of the largest Indigenous tribes in the United States, spoke to VOA about those efforts and also some of the themes of Native history that are in the forefront today. President Joe Biden convened a two-day summit Wednesday with the heads of more than 300 tribal groups, saying his administration is committed to writing “a new and better chapter of history” for the more than 570 Native American communities in the United States by making it easier for them to access federal funding. These include the first-ever agreement with the Commerce Department, more than 70 agreements with the Interior Department and more than 120 co-management and co-management agreements with the Agriculture Department. The administration also announced more than 190 co-stewardship agreements with tribes, which are meant to give them greater say in the management of federal lands, waters and resources. The order also secures the first-ever advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service so that it can continue providing health care services to tribes during government shutdowns or other funding lapses. The order requires federal agencies to assess all funding gaps and shortages, come up with strategies to make up for unmet needs and report annually on their progress. The administration has set up an Access to Capital Clearinghouse online, a “one-stop-shop” of all federal funding opportunities. “It gives tribes more autonomy to make your own decisions.” “It requires federal agencies to streamline grant applications, to co-manage federal programs, to eliminate heavy-handed reporting requirements,” Biden said. “Today, there are still too many hoops to jump through … too many strings attached, and too many inefficiencies in the process,” he said, announcing an executive order to reform the tribal funding process. It was a chance for the Biden administration to showcase investments in Indian Country in 2023 and to look forward - President Joe Biden’s 2024 budget request includes $32.6 billion to support the Indian Health Service, tribal public safety, housing, education and more.ĭuring his address to tribal leaders on Wednesday, Biden noted some challenges tribes face in getting federal funds. The White House hosted its third annual Tribal Nations Summit this week as part of its goals of strengthening nation-to-nation relationships and boosting tribal sovereignty. Tribal leaders and top administration officials convene in nation’s capital
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