2018 Executive Council Winter Session

Transcription

1 2018 Executive Council Winter Session National Congress of American Indians Capital Hilton Washington, D.C. February 12, February 15, 2018 We were peoples long before We the People. NCAI President Jefferson Keel, State of Indian Nations Address Key Themes Developed: Non-Partisanship Speakers from both Congress and the Administration spoke about the policies impacting Indian Country as non-partisan with members of both parties expressing support for tribal priorities. This approach is important to advancing Indian Country policy goals in an age of hyper partisanship. Opioid Crisis MONDAY On Monday, February 12, 2018 the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) hosted its 16th Annual State of Indian Nations Address (SOIN2018) livestreamed from the Newsuem s Knight Studios in Washington, DC. The address was given by NCAI President Jefferson Keel followed by the Congressional Response from Senator Tom Udall (NM). Check out the written remarks by both President Keel and Senator Udall here. Missed the SOIN2018 livestream? Watch it now on the NCAI YouTube Channel! SOIN2018 was only the start to the busy week with the 2018 Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS18) kicking off on Monday afternoon following the address. The afternoon sessions included workgroup and task force meetings about Violence Against Native Women, Tribal Lands, Federal Recognition, 2018 Farm Bill, Tribal TANF, and ending with a panel discussion and screening of the film Wind River. TUESDAY On Tuesday, the 1st General Assembly started the morning with a line up of speakers from Congressional leadership to the Administration along with the President s Address by NCAI President Jefferson Keel and the Executive Director s Address by NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata. Out of the over 20 speakers, almost all Congressional Members and Administration Officials spoke about the need to stop the opioid crisis in Indian Country. From coastto-coast, the speakers committed to providing resources to fight the epidemic in tribal communities. Violent Crimes & VAWA In addition to addressing the opioid crisis, violent crimes, and domestic violence were key points made by a number of officials, from the moves to cross-deputize tribal police forces to providing funding and personnel resources. The speakers remarks committed to providing assistance to those who are most in need. Native Vote The growing strength of Native Vote was also noted by Congressional Members who encouraged attendees to inspire their communities to exercise their right to vote. Check out the Native Vote report here: Giving his President s Address, NCAI President Jefferson Keel spoke about the importance of advocacy and engagement from Indian Country despite the challenges faced. For every challenge we must overcome, there are opportunities we must seize, said President Keel.

2 The first guest speaker of the morning was Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) who spoke about the inclusion and diversification in government representation. The people in our government should be just as diverse as the communities we represent, said Cortez Masto. Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) was next to take the stage and ensured the audience of tribal leaders that she continues to be committed to Indian Country. My commitment to our Native peoples is at the center of all policy, said Murkowski. You will not be forgotten. You are our First People and you will be first. Following her remarks, Senator Murkowski was presented with gifts from tribal leaders thanking her for her work on behalf of Native communities in Alaska and around the country. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) Congressional Freshman Class Co-President, former United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General and Northwest pilot, Representative Jack Bergman (MI) lit up the stage as he addressed NCAI tribal leaders for the first time. Highlighting veterans and his commitment to working with the 12 federally recognized tribes in his district, Representative Bergman was clear that he came to Washington to make the country a better place for his grandchildren and the young people of the United States. We re all in this together and it is up to us to figure out how to do this together, said Bergman. NCAI Executive Director Jaqueline Pata gave the Executive Director s Address woven through the speakers of the morning. Her speech focused on specific asks of Congress and the Administration including the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act (TLSA) and the FY2019 Budget. Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ryan Zinke took the stage next and discussed the newly introduced Legislative Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America plan. In addition to infrastructure, Zinke also talked about his responsibility to tribes across the nation. He spoke about the rollout of the DOI reorganization starting with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and a new nationwide task force to stop drug dealers on reservations and in Native communities. Taking questions from the audience, Secretary Zinke addressed public safety concerns, unadjudicated water resources for farming, and renewable energy. Representative Jack Bergman (MI) My principle job is to restore trust. If we work together we ll find a lot of answers and make lives better for Indian Country, said Zinke. Following his remarks, Secretary Zinke met with the NCAI Youth Commission Officers to talk about key issues they see in their home communities. Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein followed Secretary Zinke and mirrored the Secretary s remarks about addressing violent crimes and drug trafficking in Indian Country. Rosenstein also spoke about the need to protect Native women and girls from domestic abuse, sexual violence, and homicide and the Department of Justice (DOJ) commitment to combating those issues. He also spoke about the Opioid Fraud and Protection Unit and the current crossdeputization of tribal law enforcement to manage cases and access federal data bases to make tribal communities safer. U.S. DOI Secretary Ryan Zinke The United States Treasurer Jovita Carranza addressed the audience next and spoke of the importance of nation-to-nation relationships. Our government has a tremendous opportunity to bring parity to tribal nations, to bring this level playing field, to access to capital for tribal nations, said Carranza. The Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee will aid Treasury for how we can have positive impact on Indian Country. Carranza went onto discuss the HEARTH Act, Native CDFIs, and her work on financial literacy. She called on tribal leaders to use the resources developed by Financial Literacy and Education U.S. Dep. Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein 2

3 Commission to help tribal communities ensure the financial needs of Indian Country. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson rounded out the 1st General Assembly providing remarks surrounding military veteran homelessness and his support of the Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing program (Tribal HUD-VASH). We can solve our nation s housing problems for it to be effective, it needs to involve the people. It will require cooperation and goodwill from all parts of our society, said Carson. Goodwill means a willingness to listen to other people even if they don t agree with you. The Tribal Leader Discussion ended the 1st General Assembly and the meeting recessed until the afternoon. U.S. Treasurer Jovita Carranza The 2nd General Assembly embarked on a strong speaker line up on Tuesday afternoon following the special recognition of Kathleen Nilles for her work on behalf of Indian Country in federal tax policy and legislative issues. Congressman Darrell Issa (CA) was the first speaker of the afternoon and highlighted leading issues he is looking to continue working on during his last term in Congress including water rights, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the opioid crisis, and the importance of fighting for the rights of Native Americans. The constitution didn t give Native Americans rights, it recognized a portion of those rights that Indigenous people already had, said Issa. U.S. HUD Secretary Carson Congressman Don Young (AK) was next up to the podium, bringing the colorful energy into the room as only Congressman Young can. Quit this bickering about Republicans and Democrats, said Young. You can only solve problems by working together sincerely. Young mirrored remarks from the day of speakers and talked about the need for intervention in the opioid crisis and the violence in Native communities being suffered by women and children at startling rates. He also spoke about the economic development potential for responsible cultivation of resources such as agriculture and water not just oil and timber. Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ) focused his remarks on the importance on treaty and trust obligations. He also called on tribal communities to grow their own and empower Native youth to become engaged in the political process to ensure Native Americans have a seat at the table in Congressional offices. Congressman Darrell Issa (CA) An analysis of who is staff in Congress nine full-time members are Native American out of thousands that work for Congress. That is abysmal, said Grijalva. We will be asking for your support to change that. U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was next to speak, but not before she read through the newly published NCAI FY2019 President s Budget Analysis. During her remarks, Pelosi underscored the importance of self-determination and the fully realized trust responsibility in the 21st century. She spoke about the hollowed out proposed budget and stated that Indian Country is suffering from a triple blow including the tax cuts, budget unreflective of Indian Country s values, and infrastructure. Congressman Don Young (AK) The trust responsibility is not JUST a legal arrangement, but a moral obligation, said Pelosi. Know your power. It isn t about us telling you the best route, it s about you telling us. Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs Ranking Member Congresswoman Norma Torres followed Pelosi s remarks and bolstered the conversation around infrastructure from earlier speakers by talking about tactical approaches and the economic development opportunities for tribes in broadband, road building, wire laying, and more. She also touched on the need to fund tribal public safety and her commitment in conjunction with other Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ) 3

4 Congressional members to build a pipeline of Native talent to become Congressional staffers and potentially Congressional members themselves. The best advocates for you are often the ones sitting right there in our offices, said Torres. The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) held its annual Champion for Change Recognition during the 2nd General Assembly with remarks provided by CNAY Founder, Senator Byron Dorgan. These youth, are doing unbelievable things to celebrate each other, and their nations, said Dorgan. The Champions for Change 2018 Class come from six nations and have shown exemplary service in their communities: Damien Carlos, Tohono O Odham; Isabel Coronado, Muskogee Creek Nation; Shawna Garza, Kickapoo Tribe; Anthony Tamez, Wuskwi Sipihk First Nations Cree and Sicangu Lakota; and Ellamae Looney, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA) reads through the NCAI FY2019 Budget Analysis. In an impromptu presentation on the newly published NCAI FY2019 President s Budget Analysis, NCAI Budget/Policy Analyst and PRC Program Manager Amber Ebarb stressed the importance around advocating for tribal inclusion in the FY2019 budgeting process. Congress has the ultimate say, but it s important to stay aware of what is in the President s Budget, said Ebarb. All ECWS registrants also received hard copies in their conference materials this week. To access the electronic copy, visit the full FY 2019 Indian Country Budget Request here. The FY2019 President s Budget Analysis is also available online here. Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA) The Native Vote Report closed out the presentations for the 2nd General Assembly. Provided by a recorded video, Mark Trahant of Trahant Reports gave the update on current Native Vote standings including races in Alaska, Idaho, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Minnesota. Check out the full video here. Tuesday evening was a night of celebration as NCAI hosted the 20th Annual Leadership Awards Banquet presented awards in six categories in recognition for their commitment to Indian Country including the Public Sector Leadership Awardee Google American Indian Network (GAIN); Native American Leadership Awardee Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock Tribe); Government Leadership Awardees Tulalip Tribes, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Pascua Yaqui Tribe; Congressional Leadership Awardee Senator Jerry Moran; Special Recognition Awardee Julie Johnson (Lummi Nation of Washington State); and Native Voice Awardee Ray Halbritter (Oneida Nation). Mark Trahant - Native Vote Video Visit the NCAI Flickr page for photos! WEDNESDAY The 3rd General Assembly was packed with excitement on Wednesday morning with a packed agenda and surprise guest speaker. 20th Annual Leadership Awardees Senator Heidi Heitkamp (ND) was first up and spoke on her commitment to Native children and youth with the Commission for Native American Children she introduced as her first bill in Congress. She encouraged tribal leaders to contact Speaker Paul Ryan to urge him to fill the last three appointments on the Commission. Echoing the sentiments of speakers from the week, Heitkamp also discussed missing and murdered Indigenous women and advocated for Savannah s Act, simply stating: It is a moral imperative to address this. The Senator went on to talk about the high rates of trauma and abuse suffered by Native children and youth. As we work through childhood trauma issues; as we work through health care issues; drug 4

5 addiction; etc. we need to step forward with hope, said Heitkamp. We need to believe we can change. When we focus on our children, that s where the hope is. That s where the change will come. Congressman Tom O Halleran (AZ) jumped into addressing the educational gap in the United States around Native culture. He spoke about his work with the 12 federally recognized tribes in his district and how time and time again he noticed the sense of community and family, loving and caring for the future. Through his work on the Agriculture Committee and working on the 2018 Farm Bill, O Halleran remarked that he wanted to make sure the voice of Indian Country is heard, and the concerns of tribal nations are addressed. Through the development of the Farm Bill and bridging into infrastructure, O Halleran is looking to coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Community Service to ensure proper infrastructure projects are included for the upcoming overhaul. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (ND) Make sure your voices are heard, allow people across America to understand the needs of our tribal nations, and as we move forward it s not disjointed, it s everybody working together, with us, as a team, said O Halleran. Make sure your voices are heard and the future of our tribal nations is one of looking forward with prosperity and happiness and bring families together, and people understand the love and care of each one of your tribal nations. Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) focused his remarks on the coastal fishing villages and the injustices suffered by tribal communities displaced by the dams built on the Columbia River. Although one village at Bonneville was able to be reconstructed, there are several villages which were never rebuilt. Congressman Tom O Halleran (AZ) We must remedy this long injustice, said Merkley. Merkley went on to speak about tribal stewardship of the land as well as the high impacts seen with petroleum and carbon dioxide emissions impacting oyster beds in Oregon. Senator Merkley then transitioned to the discussion around the FY2019 budget and the cuts proposed to programs impacting Indian Country. We know that we all need to be a better partner of Indian Country, said Merkley. So thank you for being here to help guide these dialogues. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin spoke next and acknowledged the veterans, and those parents of veterans in the room, thanking them for their service. The Secretary spoke about the five core areas of focus for the VA including: Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) 1. Provide more choices in how and where veterans receive care 2. Telehealth to treat patients (Expansion of telehealth for Indian communities) 3. Addressing Veteran Homelessness (HUD-VASH vouchers) 4. Reduce Veterans Suicide (#bethere) 5. Your Service program for specific diagnosed disabilities (Currently working with 20 tribal communities) In his second visit with NCAI, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Bellegarde addressed the NCAI tribal delegation about the economic development and intertribal trade across borders through a Native provision in the upcoming renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). U.S. VA Secretary David Shulkin We ve engaged in trade agreements for millennia. If we re going to upgrade the new NAFTA agreement things have changed, said Bellegarde. In 2018, we now have the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and there have been more Supreme Court decisions that have recognized Native title to land and territory. NCAI and AFN are working together to build a working relationship to support the Native provision in NAFTA. AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde 5

6 Representative Derek Kilmer (WA) talked about his support for the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act (TLSA) and held to his commitment to working with Indian Country. I support the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, because I understand your desire to be treated just like every other government, said Kilmer. Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tom Perez, took the stage with excited energy and spoke about the federal trust responsibility to tribes stating: It IS a TRUST thing! Elaborating on his statement, Perez spoke about the leading issues in tax, budget, violence against women, and the DNC s look to a brighter future through investing in youth. Diversity is our greatest source of strength. Young people are the greatest hope for our future, said Perez. Those are our values this is what we re fighting for every single day. You [tribes] have always been that beacon of hope. We fall down, but we get up. We get up stronger, united in purpose, and we move forward. Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA) U.S. Army Associate Deputy General Counsel Justin Buller took a reserved, respectful tone while addressing the tribal leaders about the repatriation of the Native children remains found at the Carlisle Indian School. The Army is committed to helping every Native family who has relatives buried in Carlyle cemeteries in getting them home, if that is the decision of the family, said Buller. The Army is dedicated to the perpetual care of those childrens final resting place. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN) dove head in to her remarks addressing the recently released President s Budget. DNC Chairman Tom Perez Now you can remind Congress of your priorities, your values. It is so important for you to speak up and out, said McCollum. You have done a great job in defending funding for Indian Health Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Now is the time for you to be on the Hill to tell us that you expect those gains to be held, if not increased. The Congresswoman upheld the theme of the week around the opioid crisis. She advised tribal leaders in the room to push for a bi-partisan solution to allow tribal nations to access the Victims of Crime Fund and to tell the leaders of the House that Indian Country needs a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) set-aside. In closing she touched on her work to end the diminishment of national monuments like Bears Ears and regarding mascots stated: Thank you again for your work to promote awareness, said McCollum. The Washington team name has got to go. U.S. Army Associate Deputy General Counsel Justin Buller Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), Senator John Hoeven (ND) focused his remarks on the importance of tribes ability to provide services to their people as they deem appropriate. It has long been said there is far more common ground than division to be found on tribal issues. This work is and should always be nonpartisan, said Hoeven. With your support, all of you and many others, we ve made advancements in jobs, healthcare, public safety, housing and veterans. The Chairman also announced his intent to introduce legislation to amend the Indian Self Determinations and Assistance Act (ISDAA) for tribes to administer programs for their communities in ways they think are best. He also highlighted three pieces of legislation introduced by SCIA including the Virginia Tribal Recognition, an enhancement of the tribal workforce development 477 program (Indian Training and Services Consolidation Act), the Indian Community Economic Enhancement (ICEE) bill, the SURVIVE Act, an infrastructure package, the Farm Bill 2018, and chance to pass the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act (TLSA) and finally reaffirm the right of tribal governments to their own tribal labor arrangement on their own lands. Being responsive to tribal sovereignty means recognizing tribal nations and recognizing their rights to their own workforce and labor policies, said Hoeven. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN) Senator John Hoeven (ND) 6

7 The late morning saw a surprise guest, Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA) who was introduced by Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais. Warren addressed the over 500 Tribal delegates about her heritage and made her family history clear that her family members are not on any rolls, and that she is not an enrolled member or citizen of a tribe but a descendant of a tribal community. And I want to make something clear. I respect that distinction, said Warren. I understand that tribal membership is determined by tribes and only by tribes. I never used my family tree to get a break or get ahead. I never used it to advance my career. Then, she made a promise. Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA) I m here today to make a promise: Every time someone brings up my family s story, I m going to use it to lift up the story of your families and your communities, said Senator Warren. To watch the Senator s full remarks video, visit the NCAI YouTube channel. Read the NCAI Press Release Senator Elizabeth Warren Addresses Native Heritage and Commits to Indian Country at the National Congress of American Indians 2018 Winter Session here. Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ) brought his unique perspective to the room as one of the only speakers of the week to not have tribes in his district. He said he believes that there are pieces of the current 2018 budget deal that can be good for tribes such as the $6 billon allocation to fight the opioid crisis. Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ) Focusing his comments on his work in Indian Health Care Task Force, Pallone called the realized funding for Indian Health Care deeply problematic. President Keel returned to the podium to announce an official statement by the NCAI on the opposition of the FY2019 President s Budget on the grounds of the disproportionate negative impact to Indian Country. A motion was made and seconded to officially pass a consensus adoption of the statement. To read the full text of the statement, click here. The Tribal Supreme Court Update provided by Native American Rights Fund s (NARF) Joel Williams and NCAI General Counsel John Dossett. Capitol Hill Reception The 3rd General Assembly adjourned following the Tribal Leader Discussion. On Wednesday evening, ECWS2018 attendees closed out the festivities during the Capitol Hill Reception at the Smithsonian s National Museum of the American Indian. THURSDAY On Thursday, February 15, 2018, several consultations and listening sessions were hosted by various agencies. For more information on those sessions, visit the final agenda here. RESOURCES Thank you to all of our wonderful attendees, speakers, volunteers, and sponsors for making this ECWS 2018 one of our best yet! NCAI released a number of resource documents during ECWS. Click here to view and download. Stay tuned for more videos from ECWS Videos will be uploaded in coming weeks to the NCAI YouTube Channel. 7

8 20th Annual Leadership Awards Ceremony February 13, 2018 NCAI Board Members, NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata, and the 20th Annual Leadership Awardees. 8

9 Want to see more? Visit the NCAI Flickr page and social media channels by clicking below!

10 NCAI Youth Commission & Native Youth On Tuesday, February 12, 2018, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) hosted its annual reception at the Capital Hilton. In attendance were the CNAY Champs for Change 2018 Class, the NCAI Youth Commission, and youth advocates from around the United States. The NCAI Youth Commission Officers had an exciting week representing NCAI at events around Washington, D.C. The First Kids 1st Every Child is Sacred was excited to feature a table at the NCAI #ECWS2018 on Tuesday. #ECWS participants were encouraged to participate by filling out inspirational comments to add to the Initiative wall. This year we had Native youth participating in Close-Up from the Paiute Tribe and the Chickasaw Nation joined the ranks of youth attendees and had an introduction to NCAI from 1st Vice President Aaron Payment. On Wednesday, February 14, 2018 the students shared their poster displays of proposed youth-based tribal community projects. Thank You to Our ECWS2018 Sponsors! See you at our Mid Year Conference! Kansas City, MO June 3-6, 2018 AMERIND Risk Turquoise Sponsor Dentons - Lanyard Sponsor Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians - Bronze Sponsor Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC - Bronze Sponsor Redding Rancheria - Coffee Break Sponsor Sonosky, Chamber, Sachse, Miller & Munson - Coffee Break Sponsor Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - Coffee Break Co-Sponsor Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP - Coffee Break Co-Sponsor Visit to learn more. Jamestown S Klallam Tribe - Coffee Break Co-Sponsor 9