Tlingit & Haida Responds to Executive Orders from the Trump Administration and Their Impact on the Region

The Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is closely monitoring the recent Executive Orders issued by President Donald Trump, which has the potential to impact federal programs and policies affecting Alaska Native communities.


Executive orders are not uncommon at the start of every new Administration. This is how Administrations set priorities and policy direction. However, the recent announcement of an order freezing funding from federal grants and loans is concerning.


It is the responsibility of the federal government to provide vital resources for education, public safety, housing, etc. Without these funds, tribal governments face significant challenges in fulfilling their responsibilities to their citizens, many of whom rely on these programs for their well-being and economic stability.


We hear and understand the concerns of our Tribal Citizens regarding these announcements and want to assure our citizens that Tlingit & Haida is tracking these issues and taking these matters seriously.


This proactive approach ensures that Tribal operations will not suffer due to federal delays. Tlingit & Haida will continue to closely monitor the directives coming from the Administration and assess their potential impacts to our Tribe and communities.

For other Southeast Tribal Governments, we recommend the following immediate actions:


  1. Contact your regional federal agency contacts if your Tribe has been waiting to receive or execute new awards or disbursements.
  2. Drawdown any funds available under a 638 or Self-Governance agreement from federal payment systems (e.g., ASAP, PMS, and/or ELOCCS).
  3. Review discretionary award agreements to ensure there is a claw-back clause for any contract or major obligation.
  4. Although a federal judge in Washington, D.C. temporarily blocked the freeze on January 28, a final ruling is expected on February 3rd, we encourage the aforementioned actions.
  5. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is tracking how any pause on federal funding is impacting Native communities. If your community is affected, please share your experiences and concerns by contacting oversight@indian.senate.gov.

For tribal citizens, Tlingit & Haida welcomes you to share your comments, concerns, or feedback regarding Executive Orders. Your voice is an essential part of shaping the work we do to serve our communities. Please take this opportunity to let us know how these orders impact you, your family, or your community. Your insights will help us ensure we are addressing the needs and priorities of our Tribal citizens.

Share Your Voice Now

We encourage all Tlingit & Haida citizens to stay politically engaged. Track legislation that matters to you, connect with our Congressional Delegation, and raise your voice on issues impacting our communities.

Contact Senator Murkowski
Contact Senator Sullivan
Contact Representative Nick Begich

Below is a summary of the Executive Orders and their potential impact on Tlingit & Haida and Southeast Alaska Native communities:


Unleashing American Energy

This order directs all agencies to pause the disbursement of money that was appropriated under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure and Jobs Act that are part of the “Green New Deal” and inconsistent with the development of oil, gas, and mineral resources. A recent memorandum, citing this order, has temporarily paused all financial assistance from the federal government.



Impact to Southeast Alaska: This pause may delay or cease funding for certain energy and infrastructure projects. The pause to financial assistance is temporary, however Tribes should prepare for an extended freeze. Tlingit & Haida will continue to monitor developments and assess how they may affect projects benefiting our region.

 

Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing

This Executive Order eliminates Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” It discontinues DEI-related programs, grants, contracts, and initiatives. Under the previous order, the Department of the Interior (DOI) focused on improving Tribal access to grants, infrastructure, education, job training, and other services.


Impact to Southeast Alaska: Tlingit & Haida is using every opportunity to remind the Administration and U.S. Congress that:

1.  Tribes are sovereign governments, not a special interest category or DEI program.

2.  Tribes and tribal programs are grounded in trust responsibilities and treaty obligations.

3.  Programs serving tribes and Alaska Native peoples are based on constitutional, trust, and treaty obligations—representing intergovernmental relationships with tribal governments and their citizens.

Tlingit & Haida will monitor how this change affects funding opportunities and programs aimed at supporting Alaska Native communities. We remain committed to advocating for resources that benefit Tribal infrastructure, development, and economic sovereignty.

 

Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential

This Executive Order requires the Department of the Interior to review guidance related to Alaska Native lands, including trust land policies and land withdrawals for selection by Alaska Native Corporations.


Impact to Southeast Alaska: Tlingit & Haida continues to advocate for the protection of access to our traditional lands and resources. We will engage in discussions regarding the review of land policies to ensure Alaska Native rights are respected.

 

Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

This order directs the government to terminate all discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders, and requirements. It directs the head of each agency to include in every contract or grant award terms requiring awardees to agree that it complies with Federal anti-discrimination laws and certify it does not operate programs promoting DEI.

Impact to Southeast Alaska: While this Executive Order does not directly impact Tribes, organizations with federal contracts may need to review how these requirements affect operations, particularly if Native hire preferences are involved. It is important to note that Native Preference is not a racial preference, but a government-to-government preference rooted in federal laws, treaties, and the unique trust relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations. Tlingit & Haida will continue to advocate for the protection of Native Preference policies to ensure Tribal sovereignty and self-determination are upheld.

 

Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness

This order directs the Secretary of the Interior to revert the name of North America’s highest peak, Denali, to the previous name of “Mount McKinley.” The National Park area surrounding Mount McKinley shall retain the name Denali National Park and Preserve.


Impact to Southeast Alaska: Tlingit & Haida and the State of Alaska have supported the recognition of the mountain as Denali, honoring its Koyukon Athabascan name meaning “The Great One.” Tlingit & Haida will work with Tanana Chiefs Conference and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and Tribal communities to advocate for retaining the name Denali. Tlingit & Haida also recognizes and appreciates the Alaska State Legislature’s bipartisan resolution urging President Trump to retain the name Denali, highlighting the cultural and historical importance of the name to Alaska Native people and the state.

Our Mission

“Preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote

self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens.”

Connect with Us

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube