In a recent January 20th interview by Levi Rickert and Valerie Vande Panne for Native News Online, Special Assistant to the President for Native American Affairs Libby Washburn (Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma) recounts the major successes of the Biden administration concerning Indian country.
Washburn told Native News Online that her top major success story from the last year was the reformation of the relationship with tribal governments. "...almost a year ago, the President issued a presidential memorandum on tribal consultation, and strengthening the nation to nation relationship. And immediately, the entire federal government started changing the way they interacted with tribes and started reaching out, consulting," said Washburn. Washburn also mentions the outreach that came from cabinet secretaries as well a the First Lady, who visited Indian Country four times within the first year.
Washburn continues: "We had Chuck Sams confirmed as the director of the National Park Service. We have nominated our second Native American for federal district judge for the bench and she will be going through a confirmation process. We've announced millions and millions of dollars.
Right before Christmas, we announced $10 million for broadband in Indian Country. And today, the Army Corps of Engineers has announced millions and millions for tribal projects around the country, in particular, in Washington State, New Mexico, Alaska, and Arizona. The work continues all year long, every day. And everybody, all of the Natives who are in political positions are moving the agenda forward the best that they can."
Read the full article from Native News Online here.
Source: "EXCLUSIVE: Special Assistant to the President on Native Affairs at the White House Libby Washburn on Biden’s First Year in Office". Written by Levi Rickert and Valerie Vande Panne for Native News Online. January 20 2022.
