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Navajo Nation Washington Office
Wááshindoon Weekly
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Issued on Friday, September 3, 2021 | |
Executive Director's Corner | |
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Yá'át'ééh!
As Congressional members ease back into Washington, DC as the August recess comes to a close, NNWO couldn’t be busier. This week we once again reiterated that the Indian Health Service is critically under-funded and receives discretionary funding that competes with other Department of the Interior priorities that include national parks and fire trails while other public health mechanisms are mandatorily funded and receive their budgets through the Department of Health and Human Services—reflective of increasing healthcare costs and reliable data.
We began preparing our leadership to engage on the Not Invisible Act consultation that will form a commission so that Indian Country has a stronger voice when it comes to helping victims and victim advocates working on MMIW. We also turned our attention to the ongoing issues regarding water infrastructure on the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas as we held an information session to apprise our Congressional delegation on what needs to happen to improve the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. Substance abuse continues to plague Indian Country, so we were pleased with the President’s announcement of a week-long focus on addiction and ways to prevent and mitigate it.
Finally, climate change reared its head this week at NNWO as the whole region was under a tornado watch because of Hurricane Ida and we rapidly switched from being in our offices to teleworking in hopes that our staff members with long commutes would arrive home safely. Fortunately, the storm largely missed us as it decimated parts of New Jersey and other areas to our north. The sun came out the next day and we are looking forward to a pleasant Labor Day weekend.
With that, I wish you and yours a nice holiday weekend. Enjoy the last days of summer and please stay safe.
Best regards,
Santee Lewis
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President Biden Issues Proclamation for Overdose Awareness Week | |
Photo courtesy of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(click photo for more information)
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On August 27th, 2021, President Biden proclaimed August 29th through September 4th, 2021, as Overdose Awareness Week. As a commitment to addressing addiction and the overdose pandemic in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Statement of Drug Policy Priorities, Overdose Awareness Week highlights the stigma and barriers to addiction treatment. This week-long recognition will emphasize critical steps toward addressing substance abuse disorders nationally. In a briefing last week, President Biden stressed that his Administration would “recommit to taking bold actions to prevent overdose and related deaths and enhance our support for individuals with substance use disorders.”
Citing longstanding inequities relating to substance abuse, he included poor access to health care and differential treatment within criminal justice systems experienced by people of color, LGBTQ+, incarcerated individuals, the homeless, and others. In the Biden-Harris Administration’s Statement of Drug and Policy Priorities, President Biden spoke to the need to expand access to evidence-based treatment, recovery-ready workplaces, addiction workforces, and access to recovery support services. At the same time, the fed will address racial and other inequities and enhance evidence-based harm reduction efforts. Prevention strategies include collaboration between the White House, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Congress, state, local, and tribal governments.
Based on the American Addictions Center’s 2018 National Survey, the highest rates of substance abuse by Native American people include alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and hallucinogenic drugs. Reservation-based youth are 3.4 times more likely to abuse alcohol and marijuana than the national average. About 13% of the Native American population needs substance abuse treatment, but only 3.5% receive treatment. Limited access to treatment services is partly due to transportation issues, lack of health insurance, poverty, and appropriate treatment options. The current opioid overdose death rate for Indian Country is 13.7 deaths per 100,000, exceeding the national rate of 13.1 per 100,000.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of illicit drugs such as fentanyl and heroin has spiked overdoses nationally. Much like the rest of the nation, Indian Country experienced deaths related to overdose because of limited access to treatment and support services due to pandemic restrictions. With the Presidential Proclamation of Overdose Awareness Week, we can begin to witness a reduction in barriers to life-saving treatment and expansion to accessing preventative programs.
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If you or a loved one need help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. This free, confidential, and 24/7 service can be used for individuals and family members facing mental and substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. | |
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Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project
Funding and Timeline
| Photo courtesy of Office of Navajo Nation President and Vice President | |
On Tuesday, the Navajo Nation Washington Office hosted an information session with congressional offices from the New Mexico delegation to discuss needed changes to the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project (NGWSP). The original authorization for the project was $1.348 billion (as adjusted for inflation), with a completion date of 2024. Due to unexpected setbacks, the NGWSP will not be completed as initially scheduled and will face cost overruns running anywhere between $330 million (as estimated by the Bureau of Reclamation) and $446 million (as estimated by the Navajo Nation). The parties involved in the process are still working out the details. Still, all agree that amendments to the authorizing legislation are needed to bring the project entirely online, with a new likely completion date of 2029.
The NGWSP is a water pipeline that will run for 280 miles, including two main laterals. The primary line is the San Juan Lateral, which runs from Shiprock, NM to Gallup, NM, roughly following U.S. Highway 491. The other is the Cutter Lateral, serving the far eastern side of the Navajo Nation and Jicarilla Apache Reservation. This project will include two water treatment plants, numerous pumping plants and storage tanks, and over 100 miles of power lines. When completed, the NGWSP is expected to provide clean, reliable drinking water to 250,000 residents living within the stretch of the water pipeline, including those living in 34 Navajo Nation chapters and the city of Gallup.
This is not the first time Congress has considered amendments to the NGWSP. In H.R. 2, the 116th Congress proposed an extension of financing in perpetuity at the current funding level per year, beginning in 2031 (current appropriations would lapse in 2030). In H.R. 1904, the funding perpetuity would not have an appropriation deadline (no lapse in 2030). Within S. 886, the Senate would have extended mandatory appropriations to fund Indian water rights settlements for ten years, which would push the appropriation deadline from 2030 to 2039, and funding would cap at $90 million. With the current drought in the American Southwest bringing water levels to historic lows, the importance of building sustainable water infrastructure in the region has caught the attention of Congress and President Biden, giving hope to those working to find a solution to the current challenges facing the NGWSP.
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Not Invisible Act Implementation - Tribal Consultation | Photo Courtesy of Congressman Dan Newhouse | |
The Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice are holding several tribal consultations to seek tribal stakeholder input related to implementing the Not Invisible Act of 2019 [S.982], signed into law on Oct. 10 2020.
The Act aims to increase intergovernmental coordination to identify and combat violent crime on Indian lands and against Indians. See Pub. L. No. 116-166, 134 Stat. 766 (2020). Section 4 of the Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a joint Commission on reducing violent crime against Indians in coordination with the Attorney General.
The Department will consult with tribal governments to solicit input on the formation of the Commission. The Commission will be a multi-agency effort that will include law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, and most importantly—survivors. The Commission will make recommendations to DOI and the Department of Justice to improve intergovernmental coordination and address the missing and murdered indigenous people crisis by developing strategies to address the problem by developing:
- Administrative changes to identify, report, and respond effectively to cases of missing persons, murder, and human trafficking of Indians within Indian lands;
- Best practices for tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to follow in combatting violent crime against Indians on Indian lands, including missing persons, murder, and human trafficking; and
- Guidance on how to address any gaps in services for Indian victims of violent crime.
“We recognize and thank Congresswomen Deb Haaland (D-NM), Congresswomen Sharice Davids (D-KS), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), other members of Congress, tribal leaders, and grassroots advocates who fought to push these important measures over the finish line, to help bring an end to the ongoing losses of life, trauma, and devastation caused by the missing persons crisis across our country. We have many members of the Navajo Nation who are very compassionate and dedicated to helping families who have missing loved ones. We look forward to seeing the benefits that these two bills will have,” said President Nez. (10/10/20)
The Department will conduct two more webinar consultation sessions as follows:
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2-4 p.m., ET, Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021| Click here to register.
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2-4 p.m. ET, Friday, Sept. 10, 2021| Click here to register.
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Government and Legislative Affairs Association - Position Open | |
In the Government and Legislative Affairs Associate position, you will monitor and analyze congressional legislation, disseminate information on emerging topics of concern, and develop strategies and decisions concerning national policies and budgets affecting the Navajo Nation. Use the link below to view the job description for this position.
For additional information, please contact the Navajo Nation Washington Office at info@nnwo.org or by phone at (202) 682-7390.
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Additional News and Updates | |
Navajo School Clothing and Supplies Applications Being Accepted Until Funding Runs Out | |
In a prior release, NFAS shared that the NSCS applications would be available on October 4, 2021. NFAS is thrilled to announce that they are able to release the applications sooner. NSCS applications are available until funding is depleted.
-No income limitation
-No residency requirement (can live off the Navajo Nation)
Before you begin filling out the application, gather the required documents and be prepared to upload an electronic copy of those documents. The applicant must attach the following required documents before submitting the application.
- The child’s Certificate of Indian Blood;
- The child’s valid Social Security card;
- A document on official school letterhead verifying the child is enrolled for the current academic year, or appropriate documentation verifying the child is home schooled or virtual learning.
- Completed W-9 Form that is signed by the Parent/Guardian/Caretaker.
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Request for Information: Buy American in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program
This is a Request for Information from stakeholders, local operators, State Administrators, industry and producers, about the Buy American provision in the National School Lunch Program. The purpose of this Request of Information is to help Food and Nutrition Services gather feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders on how they Buy American provisions and guidance are currently implemented, and how they can better support local operators.
Written comments must be received on or before November 2, 2021.
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The American Rescue Plan Act Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program
The Rural Housing Services, a Rural Development agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announces the availability of up to $500 million in grant funding, appropriated under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This NOFA takes into consideration Tribal leader comments, particularly with respect to award size and use of funds. Cost-sharing requirements are mandated in the American Rescue Plan Act.
Complete applications received by 4:00 p.m. local time on October 12, 2021 will be evaluated and ranked according to the scoring criteria in this Notice.
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Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) for Employees of Certain Tribally Controlled Schools
Rule effective on September 3, 2021
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing an interim final rule to expand eligibility for enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to additional tribal employees. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (FY21 CAA) amended section 409 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and expanded entitlement to Indian tribes or tribal organizations carrying out programs under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988 (TCSA) to purchase coverage, rights, and benefits under the FEHB Program for their employees.
Comments can be submitted the Office of Personnel Management by or before November 2, 2021.
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Request for Public Comment: 60 Day Notice for Extension of the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Indian Health Care Service (IHS) invites the general public to take this opportunity to comment on the information collection Office of Management andBudget Control Number 0917-0014, titled :IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP)."
For consideration, comments must be received by October 5, 2021. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be made available to the public by publishing them in the 30 day Federal Register notice for this information collection. For this reason, please do not include information of a confidential nature, such as sensitive personal information or proprietary information.
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Office of the Assistant Secretary 0f Indian Affairs; Not Invisible Act
The U.S. Department of Interior, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice, is hosting public meetings to obtain stakeholder input related to implementation of the Not Invisible Act of 2019, which was enacted to increase intergovernmental coordination to identify and combat violent crime on Indian lands and against Indians.
Comments from stakeholders must be submitted no later than Friday, September 17, 2021.
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Indian Land Title and Records
Rule effective September 15, 2021
This final rule revises Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regulations governing the Land Title and Records Office (LTRO) to reflect modernization of the LTRO. The LTRO maintains title documents for land held in trust or restricted status for individual Indians and Tribes (Indian land). This rule replaces outdated provisions and allows for more widespread efficiencies by reflecting current practices, while creating a framework for future LTRO operations.
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Request for Applications: The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Private Forestry, and Cooperative Forestry staff requests applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. This is a competitive grant program whereby local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through fee simple acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits.
All State Foresters and Tribal government officials must forward applications to the Forest Service by February 7th, 2022.
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Founding Failures: Indian Country's Sovereignty and Subordination Panel Discussion
Friday, September 17, 2021 | 2:30 - 4 p.m. ET
The American Constitution Society will be hosting a virtual panel discussion, which will explore the unique impacts that the constitutional "founding failures" had for Native Americans. This panel discussion will also address the lessons we can learn to move forward in redressing the harms the United States has committed against tribal nations and their people. Use the link below for more information on this event.
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National Tribal Broadband Summit
September 17, 24, and October 1, 2021
The National Tribal Broadband Summit is a unique opportunity for Tribal Leaders, representatives of Tribal organizations, representatives of schools and school districts serving under-connected Native students, tribal libraries, museums, and cultural programs, federal program managers, and policy-makers at multiple levels of government to come together and share their innovations in expanding broadband access and adoption for tribal communities. After this Summit, participants will leave with new insights into how to close the digital divide in Indian Country, unlocking opportunities that broadband access can provide. Registration will be open for this event until September 30th. Use the link below to register.
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The Power to Tax: Addressing Economic (Dis)parity in Indian Country Virtual Event
Wednesday, September 29 2021 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ET
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis will be hosting a third session of their year-long Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) Policy webinar series. This webinar will be focused on increasing understanding of tribal taxation policy and its impacts to economic opportunity in Indian Country. This webinar will also engage with tribal leaders and other taxation experts to bring understanding to the topic of tribe' sovereign authority to tax. Use the link below to register for this event.
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NAFOA's 2021 Fall Finance & Tribal Economies Conference
September 26-28, 2021
Location: San Antonio, TX
Through its work in growing tribal economies and strengthening tribal finance NAFOA supports the advancement of independent and culturally vibrant American Indian and Alaska Native communities. NAFOA launched over three decades ago as the Native American Finance Officers Association to highlight the role of tribal finance in fostering economic opportunities. Since that time, NAFOA has grown along with tribal economies.
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2021 Bi-Annual Navajo Research Conference
October 20-21.2021
The Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board (NNHRRB) invites you to participate in the eighth bi-annual NNHRRB conference. This conference will be used to share results of completed research studies and to highlight the latest research being conducted on the Navajo Nation. Use the link below to register for this event.
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For more information on the information provided in this newsletter, please contact NNWO at info@nnwo.org or (202) 682-7390. | | | | | |
