Navajo Nation Engages USDA Leadership as

Department Begins Reorganization Consultations

This week, the Navajo Nation was the only tribal nation with in-person representation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's first of two tribal consultations, this time held in Washington, D.C. The session focused on the USDA's proposed reorganization plan and included participation from representatives of Indian agricultural organizations, such as the Intertribal Food and Agriculture Initiative, the Coalition of Large Tribes, and the Native Farm Bill Coalition. Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden led the discussion, alongside Acting Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) Director John Walker and other USDA OTR staff.

Federal Shutdown Persists as Congress Remains at a Standstill

The federal shutdown remains in place as Senate Democrats continue to hold firm against the continuing resolution passed by the House last month. At the heart of the dispute are the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits.

Government Shutdown

Resource List

Last week, NNWO shared a guide that compiled a list of resources for those affected by the government shutdown. This list has since been updated to include more resources for federal workers.

Tribal Education Programs Face Federal Layoffs

In an effort to motivate Senate Democrats to support the House's continuing resolution, the White House Office of Management and Budget has instructed agencies to engage in Reductions in Force (RIF) or permanent layoffs. Unfortunately, we learned from our partners at the National Indian Education Association that on October 10, termination notices were sent to staff at the Department of Education Office of Indian Education, Impact Aid Office, and the administrators for Alaska Native Education and Native Hawaiian Education.