Fact Sheet: Summary of Congressional Oversight Hearing to “Examine Native Communities’ Priorities for the 119th Congress”

On February 12, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing, Examining Native Communities' Priorities for the 119th Congress. Chaired by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), with Vice Chairman Brian Schatz (D-HI), the hearing reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to centering Native voices in policymaking.

Chair Murkowski emphasized the responsibility to uphold trust and treaty obligations—the federal trust responsibility is a legal obligation of the U.S. government to safeguard the rights and interests of Native American Tribes, upheld through the Marshall Trilogy. Additionally, treaty obligations refer to legally binding agreements between certain tribal nations and the U.S. government, such as the Navajo Treaty of 1868. Recognizing these commitments, Chair Murkowski highlighted the importance of engaging directly with tribal leaders to ensure federal policy reflects the priorities of Native nations. She acknowledged the evolving political landscape and the committee’s role in advocating for Native interests through direct engagement and legislative action. Vice Chairman Schatz echoed the committee’s responsibility as a bipartisan advocate for Native priorities, stressing that past legislative successes were achieved through collaboration with Native communities.

The hearing featured testimonies from Native leaders across various sectors, reflecting the broad and pressing challenges facing Indian Country. Key insights from each testimony are outlined below:

Testimonies from Native Leaders:

1. Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI): Macarro emphasized the federal government's trust and treaty obligations, advocating for:
   • Sustainable Funding: Ensuring consistent and adequate appropriations for programs benefiting Native communities.
   • Protection of Sovereignty: Upholding tribal sovereignty in all legislative actions.
   • Healthcare Enhancements: Improving access to quality healthcare services for Native populations.
   • Full Testimony
2. The Honorable William Smith, Chairperson / Alaska Area Representative, Valdez Native Tribe / National Indian Health Board (NIHB): Smith focused on healthcare challenges in Native communities, highlighting:
   • Trust and Treaty Obligations: Reaffirming the federal government's responsibility to provide healthcare services to Native populations.
   • Sustainable Funding: Advocating for consistent and adequate appropriations to support health programs serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
   • Tribal Self-Governance: Empowering tribes to manage and deliver healthcare services tailored to their communities' specific needs.
   • Full Testimony
      
3. Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and President of the NAFOA Board of Directors: Butler addressed economic development, emphasizing:
   • Economic Sovereignty: Empowering tribes to manage and develop their economic resources.
   • Infrastructure Investment: Improving infrastructure to support business ventures in Native communities.
   • Access to Capital: Facilitating financial opportunities for Native entrepreneurs and businesses
   • Full Testimony
4. Kerry D. Bird, President of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA): Bird focused on educational disparities, calling for:
   • Increased Funding: Allocating resources to Native-serving educational institutions.
   • Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Integrating Native histories and languages into school programs.
   • Support for Educators: Providing professional development tailored to educators serving Native students.
   • Full Testimony
5. Joseph Kūhiō Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA): Lewis highlighted critical issues affecting the Native Hawaiian community, advocating for:
   • Equitable Funding: Ensuring that Native Hawaiian programs receive fair and consistent financial support.
   • Permanent Reauthorization of Legislation: Securing ongoing authorization for existing laws that benefit Native Hawaiians.
   • Meaningful Consultation Policies: Developing policies that guarantee Native Hawaiian voices are heard in federal decision-making processes.
   • Full Testimony

In short, the hearing stressed the U.S. government's trust and treaty obligations to Native peoples, reinforcing the legal foundation for addressing their priorities. However, the responsibility to uphold these commitments extends beyond Congress. Those serving American Indian communities—whether individuals or organizations—must actively engage in legislative processes, collaborate with tribal leaders, and advocate for policies that support education, healthcare, economic development, and sovereignty. Advancing these initiatives requires collective action, ensuring that Native nations shape the policies that impact their futures.