November is Native American Heritage Month proclaimed by the President and the Congress. Education is an Indian treaty federal trust responsibility and obligation to Indian beneficiaries. The Native American Heritage Month is the time to educate, to advocate and engage with the public of the legacy, History, culture, contributions and ongoing issues facing our Indian people.
The federal government shutdown is over, and Congress is back in real business of the people. Significant on the agenda is the call for enactment of the proposed Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act by Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan) and Representative Tracey Mann (R-Kan). Similarly situated and in companion with the HINU Improvement Act is the bipartisan Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S.761) proposed by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The two legislations are empowerment, accountability and genuine Indian self-determination.
The U S Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has jurisdiction on Indian Affairs and studies issues related to American Indians, Native Hawaiians and Alaska Natives, and develops legislation to address their unique challenges including education, land management, health care, economic development and trust responsibilities, as well as conduct investigations and hold hearings on these subjects. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is chairperson of the committee and Senator Brian Schatz, (D-HI) is vice chairman. The Chair of the Committee is appointed by the Senate majority party. The vice-chair is appointed by the Senate minority party.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs studies issues related to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples and develops legislation to address their unique concerns. Its purpose is to oversee federal policy and legislation affecting these communities, focusing on matters such as tribal sovereignty, economic development, and upholding the federal government’s trust responsibility.
- Legislative responsibility: The committee has jurisdiction over matters concerning the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. It studies issues, holds hearings, and makes legislative recommendations to the full Senate.
- Oversight: The committee investigates issues, oversees the implementation of laws, and holds hearings to examine specific topics, such as the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) and its impact on tribal self-governance.
- Legislation: It has a history of successfully passing legislation, including bills that support Native languages and address the unique needs of Native children and communities.
- Federal recognition: The committee also examines and debates the process of federal recognition for tribes, which can be achieved through either administrative or legislative means.
In conjunction with November Native American Heritage Month call or write your Senator and request support of the proposed Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act and the Indian Boarding School Policies Act (.761) legislation. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs membership list:
Majority Members (6) Minority Members (5)
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Chairperson Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) Vice-Chairman
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KAN) Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) Senator Ben Lujan (D-NM)
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
The bills are intertwined with Haskell Indian Nations University history, culture and Indian education. Haskell has evolved from the U S Indian boarding school era and is impacted by intergenerational trauma. The two bills upon enactment will call for research and collaboration among the administrators. Research and development are cited in the HINU Improvement Act. Research is essential for higher quality education. Haskell will become the ‘crown jewel’ as called for by Representative Tracey Mann (R-KAN).
Our Native American heritage is deeply rooted in the land that became America. Your call and writing for action to your Senator and Representative is engagement and the purpose of the November National Native American Month.
Happy National Native American Heritage Month.
M’gwitch,
Steve Cadue
Kickapoo Nation Kansas
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