Rep. Harriet Hageman, U.S. Representative for Wyoming | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Harriet Hageman, U.S. Representative for Wyoming | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, a historic roundtable took place in Washington, D.C., hosted by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. The event brought together representatives from five tribes to discuss critical issues affecting Indian Country, including health care, public safety, and economic development.
Chairman Westerman emphasized the committee's dedication to addressing these concerns: "From the Committee’s work combatting cartel crime on tribal lands in Montana to our historic trip to the remote communities of the North Slope of Alaska, the House Committee on Natural Resources is committed to listening to and working with Indian Country. Today's roundtable is an important step in continuing our work on these issues and ensuring these communities have a voice in Washington. I want to thank the witnesses who traveled thousands of miles to be here today and my House colleagues for their thoughtful participation in today’s dialogue."
Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Chair Harriet Hageman highlighted the importance of self-determination for tribal success: "The self-determination stories of tribal success from various states across this country provide an important path forward. Through self-determination tribal leaders have improved healthcare, built up their economic sectors, and brought about a better justice system than the federal government alone has provided. Each tribe has its own unique needs and the solutions provided locally often are far superior than a one size fits all approach. To the extent that Indian country leaders want to take on a greater role in self-governance, the federal government should not stand in the way."
Under Westerman's leadership, efforts have been made by the committee to improve conditions for American Indians and Alaska Natives. This includes hearings and legislation aimed at enhancing healthcare systems, investigating misconduct at educational institutions, improving public safety, and unlocking economic potential on tribal lands.
The roundtable featured insights from five key witnesses: Michael Dolson of Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; Victoria Kitcheyan of Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska; Reid Milanovich of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; Marshall Pierite of Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana; and Jennifer Webster from Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.
For further information regarding this event or related initiatives, contact John Seibels at (202) 225-2761.
Alerts Sign-up