SW Arkansas Times

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman recently held a significant roundtable with tribal leaders to address issues concerning health care, public safety, and economic development in Indian Country. Representatives from five tribes participated in the discussion.

Chairman Westerman emphasized the committee's dedication to engaging with tribal communities: "From the Committee’s work combatting cartel crime on tribal lands in Montana to our historic trip to the remote communities of the North Slope of Alaska, the House Committee on Natural Resources is committed to listening to and working with Indian Country. Today's roundtable is an important step in continuing our work on these issues and ensuring these communities have a voice in Washington. I want to thank the witnesses who traveled thousands of miles to be here today and my House colleagues for their thoughtful participation in today’s dialogue."

Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Chair Harriet Hageman highlighted successful self-determination efforts by tribes: "The self-determination stories of tribal success from various states across this country provide an important path forward. Through self-determination tribal leaders have improved healthcare, built up their economic sectors, and brought about a better justice system than the federal government alone has provided. Each tribe has its own unique needs and the solutions provided locally often are far superior than a one size fits all approach. To the extent that Indian country leaders want to take on a greater role in self-governance, the federal government should not stand in the way."

Under Westerman's leadership, efforts have been made by the committee and its subcommittees to enhance healthcare systems for American Indians and Alaska Natives, investigate misconduct at educational institutions operated by Bureau of Indian Education, improve public safety within tribal communities, and unlock economic potential of tribal lands.

The roundtable featured testimonies from Michael Dolson (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), Victoria Kitcheyan (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska), Reid Milanovich (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians), Marshall Pierite (Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana), and Jennifer Webster (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin).