Executive Director's Corner | |
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Yá'át'ééh,
In this edition of the Wááshindoon Weekly, we present three important stories impacting the Navajo Nation. First, Arizona's innovative approach to tackling homelessness; second, the urgent need for understanding and bolstering state-tribal relations; and last, the advocacy for environmental justice within the Navajo Nation. Additionally, this week, I had the privilege of representing the Navajo Nation, on behalf of Navajo Nation President Nygren, in a Congressional hearing held by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, titled "Economic Diversification to Create Prosperous Tribal Economies." It is imperative that Congress collaborates with Tribal Nations to address systemic issues hindering the progress of many hardworking Indigenous entrepreneurs, especially within Navajo communities. Through unified advocacy and a clear mission, we can ensure progress for our Diné.
In our first story we spotlight the Biden administration's endorsement of a Medicaid waiver program aimed at addressing homelessness by allowing states to allocate federal healthcare funds for housing expenses. Arizona and Oregon lead the way, with Arizona dedicating $550 million of its Medicaid budget to combat homelessness. Recognizing homelessness as a public health concern, the initiative aims to alleviate strain on healthcare systems and reduce hospital visits by providing stable housing. Arizona's focus targets its 2.5 million Medicaid beneficiaries at risk of or experiencing homelessness, particularly individuals with mental illness and those awaiting community housing.
Second, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's State of the State address on February 5th drew condemnation due to his misinformed portrayal of the relationship between the State of Arizona and the Navajo Nation. This critique arises amidst Oklahoma's continued adjustment following the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision, which affirmed tribal reservation status for parts of eastern Oklahoma. Stitt's efforts to liken Oklahoma's situation to that of Arizona and the Navajo Nation, particularly concerning support for tribal communities, faced sharp rebuke from Navajo leaders. They emphasized the Navajo Nation’s significant contributions to the state and the complexities inherent in government-to-government relationships. This underscores the imperative of sustained dialogue and collaboration between state governments and tribal nations to address jurisdictional challenges and foster productive relationships.
Third, a dispute over land and water unfolded as hydropower projects sought to exploit diminishing resources on Navajo Nation land, eliciting resistance from community, Indigenous, and environmental groups. Federal energy officials rejected seven preliminary permits, acknowledging tribal sovereignty and the requirement for consent on tribal lands, marking a triumph for grassroots activism and Indigenous voices. Despite this victory, challenges endure, including a 2023 Supreme Court ruling denying the Navajo Nation's efforts to halt federal actions related to the Lower Colorado River, which raise questions about tribal water rights. The decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is a win as they necessitate companies to engage with and secure approval from Tribal Nations for energy projects within their borders.
As we navigate governance complexities, resource management, and cultural preservation, it is evident that the path forward necessitates collective action and mutual respect. By honoring tribal sovereignty, amplifying Indigenous voices, and embracing sustainable development practices, we can forge a future where prosperity, justice, and cultural heritage flourish hand in hand. Through shared dialogue and unwavering commitment, we can construct bridges of understanding and cooperation, charting a course toward a more equitable and harmonious tomorrow for all.
Ahéheeʼ
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Executive Director Ahasteen Provides Congressional Testimony on Tribal Economic Diversification
On February 15th, Justin Ahasteen, the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office, delivered testimony on behalf of the Navajo Nation President, Dr. Buu Nygren, to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. Titled "Economic Diversification to Create Prosperous Tribal Economies," the testimony shed light on the multifaceted challenges hindering most of our Tribal Nations' pursuit of economic development across various sectors.
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Oklahoma Governor's Controversial Remarks on Navajo Nations’ State-Tribal Relations
Controversy sparked as Oklahoma Governor undermined the significance of the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision that affirmed tribal reservation status in parts of eastern Oklahoma. The decision has left Oklahoma with profound queries about the region's state-tribal relations and jurisdictional issues.
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U.S. Commission’s Historic Precedence for Land, Water, and Tribal Sovereignty in Arizona
In the heart of the vast Arizona landscape, where the wind breezes through captivating canyons, and the rivers carry on their ancient paths, a battle for land and water unfolded, shaping the destiny of the Navajo Nation and its surrounding communities.
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons | |
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Arizona to Implement New Medicaid Waiver Program to Address Homelessness
The Biden administration has authorized a new Medicaid waiver program to address homelessness by allowing states to use federal healthcare funding to cover housing costs. Arizona and Oregon are the first two states to implement the program, with Arizona allocating $550 million and Oregon dedicating part of its $1 billion Medicaid budget to combat homelessness. Other states, such as New York, California, Hawaii, and Washington, have also applied for the program, recognizing the growing homelessness crisis exacerbated by skyrocketing rent prices.
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Notice of Lodging of Proposed Partial Consent Decree Under the Clean Water Act
On January 9, 2024, the Department of Justice lodged a proposed Partial Consent Decree with the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, in the lawsuit entitled United States v. Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Civil Action No. 3:24–cv–08006.
Comment Deadline: March 8, 2024
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Clarifying the Scope of “Applicable Requirements” Under State Operating Permit Programs and the Federal Operating Permit Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to update its title V operating permit program regulations to more clearly reflect the EPA's existing interpretations and policies concerning when and whether “applicable requirements” established in other Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act) programs should be reviewed, modified, and/or implemented through the title V operating permits program.
Comment Deadline: March 11, 2024
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National Council of Urban Indian Health
April 29 – May 2, 2024
The NCUIH annual conference provides a platform for Urban Indian Organizations, health care professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to come together and discuss critical issues related to urban Indian health.
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Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer on the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other types of dementia Real-World Data Platform.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of NIH under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, requests input on the development of the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other types of dementia Real-World Data Platform. The Platform aims to serve as a central hub of secure access for many types of data collected from a variety of real-world sources in order to promote more inclusive clinical research and improve health outcomes for older adults and persons living with dementia.
Comment Deadline: February 20, 2024
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Definition of an Indian Tribe
Tribal Consultation on one remaining issue – which definition of Indian Tribe to use in the updated IHS Tribal Consultation policy (Consultation Policy). The two definitions are the List Act Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5130) or the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5304(e)).
Comment Deadline: February 23, 2024
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2024 SAMHSA Tribal Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) Meeting
Information about the SAMHSA TTAC and the agenda for this meeting can be found on the SAMHSA website. During the meeting, SAMHSA TTAC delegates and SAMHSA leadership will discuss SAMHSA programs/initiatives and tribal behavioral health priorities.
Consultation: February 27, 2024
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Removal of Outdated Regulations
The Indian Health Service (IHS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or “the Department”) is issuing this Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) proposing the removal of regulations appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These outdated regulations do not align with the current statutory text.
Consultation: February 27, 2024
Comment Deadline: March 8, 2024
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Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Education – Five-Year Strategic Direction 2024-2029
The BIE is seeking feedback on their draft 2024-2029 Strategic Direction, which was prepared after receiving feedback from listening sessions at the 54th Annual National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Convention & Trade Show in October 2023 and the 80th Annual National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Convention & Marketplace in November 2023. Feedback is sought on the overarching strategic priorities, strategies and milestones, vision, mission, and core values of the BIE.
In-Person Consultations:
March 6, 2024 (Rapid City, SD)
Virtual Consultation: March 8, 2024 Comment Deadline: April 7, 2024
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Formal Tribal Consultation on WIPO IGC Negotiations
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, announces a formal Tribal Consultation, and requests written comments on issues involving genetic resources (GR), traditional knowledge (TK), and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs). These topics are being discussed at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Specifically, the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore (traditional cultural expressions) (WIPO IGC) is undertaking negotiations regarding how best to protect GR, TK, and TCEs of Indigenous Peoples.
Comment Deadline: February 23, 2024
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Administration for Community Living Tribal Consultation
ACL was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. On November 27, 2023, ACL announced our draft Tribal Consultation Policy and distributed it to Tribes in attendance at the HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Council (STAC) meeting. ACL plans to hold a Tribal Consultation on the draft policy to receive Tribal leader feedback and recommendations of what to incorporate in the final policy.
Comment Deadline: February 23, 2024
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Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Data Policy
Feedback is requested on the draft HHS Tribal and Tribal Epidemiology Center Data Access Policy that was created based on review of input from a tribal consultation in October 2022, as well as internal analyses of HHS Division data system considerations.
Comment Deadline: March 5, 2024
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Indian Health Service - Health Information Technology Modernization Program
IHS will host four consultations on modernizing IT systems to better serve tribal communities. Each consultation will cover a different topic. The first will introduce the Enterprise Collaboration Group, a body that gathers insights from subject matter experts who are end-users of the enterprise Electronic Health Record, and will seek feedback on system configuration and change management.
Virtual Consultations:
May 9, 2024
Topic: Deployment and Cohort Planning
August 8, 2024
Topic: Multi-Tenant Domain Considerations
Hybrid Consultation:
November 7, 2024
Topic: Site Readiness and Training
Location: TBD
Comment deadline: 30 days after each session
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For more information regarding topics provided in the newsletter, please contact NNWO at info@nnwo.org. | | |
Navajo Nation Washington Office | www.nnwo.org | | | | |
