Native News Weekly (December 5, 2021): DC Briefs
WASHINGTON – In addition to the news already covered over the previous week, each Sunday Native News Online provides a snapshot of activity in Washington, DC that is impacting the Indian country over the past week.
Funding for Modern Languages ​​Grants Now Available
The Indian Affairs Bureau of Indian Economic Development announced on Friday that it was seeking applications for its Modern Languages ​​Grants program.
The program enables federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native tribal entities, as listed in 86 FR 7554, to support tribal programs that document native languages ​​or build tribal capacities to create or expand conservation programs. languages.
“Preserving indigenous languages ​​is fundamental to preserving all aspects of tribal cultures and traditions,†said Deputy Indian Secretary Bryan Newland. “The Modern Languages ​​Grants Program can help maintain indigenous knowledge that can only be imparted through tribal languages. I encourage tribes interested in developing their language preservation programs to apply for this solicitation.
The preservation of the Indigenous language has for many years been cited by Indigenous leaders as important to their self-preservation, self-determination and sovereignty. Preserving indigenous people and revitalizing the language is a key priority, as languages ​​are central to a tribe’s unique cultural identities, traditions, spiritual beliefs, and self-government.
Proposals must be submitted to Grants.gov by March 7, 2022. Solicitation and details regarding the request can be found in the Federal Register here and at Grants.Gov. The office seeks to fund approximately 15 to 60 grants worth approximately $ 25,000 to $ 200,000.
Although only tribes or federally recognized tribal organizations can apply for LLGP grants, grantees can select or retain either for-profit or non-profit tribal organizations to perform the scope of work of a grant funding for grant funding. to support tribal programs to document indigenous languages ​​or build tribal capacity to create or expand language preservation programs.
Questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Mr. Dennis Wilson, Division of Economic Development Grants Manager, Office of Indian Economic Development – Indian Affairs, US Department of the Interior, at 505-917-3235 or [email protected]
Introduction of the law on the exchange of indigenous peoples and economic cooperation
New legislation was introduced Monday by Representative Norma Torres (D-CA) and Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, which would expand trade and investment opportunities for Native American tribes. and indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere in general.
This law will promote cross-investment and export opportunities between Native American tribes and Indigenous peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere. Specifically, it aims to encourage collaboration in enterprises that include sustainable management of natural resources, agricultural development, timber, fish and other seafood, energy and artistic production.
This law also aims to facilitate the development of supply chains specifically for products made by Native American tribes and indigenous peoples.
Indian Health Service holds tribal consultation to discuss allocation of new funds
The Indian Health Service (IHS) has sent a letter to tribal chiefs advising them of the tribal consultation with the aim of starting the tribal consultation regarding the allocation of new funds.
The funds are $ 210 million from theAmerican Rescue Plan Act, $ 3.5 billion inLaw on investment in infrastructure and employmentt, and $ 2.35 billion which is currently under consideration in Congress in the Rebuild better air conditioningt.
The use of these funds will meet a variety of needs including public health personnel and activities, construction of health facilities, construction and maintenance of health facilities, behavioral health and many more. things.
The tribal consultation will take place virtually on December 14, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. This consultation can be reached by clicking here.
Written comments are due December 23, 2021 and can be emailed to [email protected].
Infrastructure Bill’s Investments to Improve Tribal Access to Drinking Water Welcomed
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and tribal chiefs celebrated funding signed under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which will improve tribal access to clean water.
The provisions of IIJA broadly reflect the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act introduced by Bennet and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (DN.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
After President Joe Biden signed the IIJA promulgated last month, the Initiative on Universal Access to Drinking Water for Tribal Communities released a report administration, federal agencies, and tribes rapidly deploying IIJA resources where they are needed most.
“Clean water is a basic human right, but far too many tribal communities and native villages in Alaska currently do not have access to it,” Bennet said. “Every day, we must continue to work to ensure that all tribal communities have access to safe and clean water.”
“Our country’s investment in infrastructure must be a priority, including the funding needed to provide access to basic drinking water to Native American tribes,” said Manuel Heart, president of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado. and the Ten Tribes Partnership. “We appreciate Senator Bennet’s leadership on this issue with his Tribal Access to Clean Water Act and his efforts to help secure that funding in the Infrastructure Bill.” This work is a vital part of federal accountability to sovereign nations and tribal communities and a step toward a more just and racially equitable nation. “
“This is a historic moment. We are pleased to see this important injection of funding that will allow tribes to access drinking water; Indian Health Service water supply and sanitation project funding for water storage projects; and for rural water supply projects. All these projects will help the Indian country. We thank Senator Bennet for his leadership on these issues. said Melvin J. Baker, president of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
The IIJA provides $ 3.5 billion for the Indian Health Service (IHS) sanitation facility construction program, which is consistent with the $ 3.4 billion provided to IHS in the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act to meet the needs of tribal sanitation facilities and services.
Neely Bardwell (descendant of the Odawa Indian Bands of Little Traverse Bay), a Michigan State University student interning with Native News Online, contributed to these briefs.
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