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Letter From Joe Biden On Native American Issues

 

October 16, 2024

 

Dear Ms. Lawson,

Thank you for writing to me about a top priority of my Administration—working with Tribal Nations to invest in the future of Native communities, empower Tribal self-determination, and support prosperity for Native people.  

Together, we are providing historic and long-overdue resources to Indian Country.  Through the American Rescue Plan, my Administration has overseen the single largest funding measure ever granted to Native communities, designated to help Tribal governments combat the COVID-19 crisis and support Indigenous families, businesses, jobs, and education.  The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests directly in Tribal communities to improve access to broadband, clean drinking water, and good-paying jobs, and the Inflation Reduction Act will ensure these communities can confront and adapt to the climate crisis.  

In addition, I was proud to sign the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act into law, which expands the jurisdiction of Tribal courts to cover non-Native perpetrators of sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and sex trafficking.  And my Administration will continue to protect treasured Tribal lands and give Tribes a greater role in the stewardship of federal lands that are sacred to them.  

I also believe that we have an obligation to ensure that Native Americans are seen, heard, and represented in all spaces across the Federal Government and beyond.  I was proud to restart the White House Council on Native American Affairs, to appoint Congresswoman Deb Haaland of the Pueblo of Laguna to serve as United States Secretary of the Interior—the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet Secretary—and to appoint Native Americans to serve across my Administration.  

Today and every day, we must recognize the invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples and uphold the promises our Nation has made to Tribal Nations.  Together, we will create a brighter future built on fairness, opportunity, and respect for all Native peoples.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden

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