Indian Affairs Announces Approval of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ Business Regulations Under the HEARTH Act
HEARTH Act underscores importance of tribal self-determination and sovereignty
Office of Public Affairs
HEARTH Act underscores importance of tribal self-determination and sovereignty
Dear Tribal Leader:
On March 2, 2021, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) hosted a Tribal consultation regarding two draft BIE policies: (I) Draft Progress and Promotion Policy, and (2) Draft Certificate of Completion Policy. The BIE is now planning an additional Tribal consultation session and would like to invite you to participate.
The American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, invests $1.75 billion in American Indian and Alaska Native government programs administered under the oversight of the Department of the Interior’s Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs (AS-IA).
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) makes changes to laws and provides emergency supplemental funding to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time ever, Congress has given the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Services Urban Indian Health Programs and Native Hawaiian Health Centers equal access to federal Medicaid reimbursement resources to support the health of tribal communities and members.
In another first, Congress also provided tribes with direct, equal access to the Department of Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative Program to support tribal business.
The American Rescue Plan authorizes $900 million in funding for AS-IA and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to support a wide range of COVID-19 response activities, including:
In addition, $850 million will go to the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) for BIE-operated schools, tribally controlled schools, and tribal colleges and universities to support quality education delivery while protecting students, teachers, and communities from COVID-19.
The Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs will consult with the leaders of federally recognized tribal governments to discuss how the American Rescue Plan can be best implemented to serve the needs of tribal communities.
Relief package will benefit tribal government pandemic initiatives.
On January 27, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. He stated that, “[t]he United States and the world face a profound climate crisis. We have a narrow moment to pursue action at home and abroad in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of that crisis and to seize the opportunity to that tackling climate change presents.” See E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
Bureau of Indian Education Virtual Listening Session- July 8
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians in Nevada today announced the opportunity to comment on potential environmental impacts of the proposed Southern Bighorn Solar Project (SBSP).
March 12 consultation will seek to strengthen the U.S.-Tribal Nation-to-Nation Relationship in accordance with Biden January 26 Presidential Memorandum
We Excel, Native America Prospers. We manage the financial assets of American Indians held in trust by the Department of the Interior. We disburse more than $1 billion annually and have more than $5 billion under active day-to-day management and investment on behalf of Tribes and individuals.
March 10 consultations will seek to strengthen the U.S.-Tribal Nation-to-Nation Relationship in accordance with Biden January 26 Presidential Memorandum.
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