On Tuesday, Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer joined White House officials who presented the Trump administration’s “Core Principles” for Indian Country.
The Trump administration’s plan entitled, “Putting America’s First Peoples First,” to address issues related to tribal sovereignty, promote safer communities, improve infrastructure to build economies, improve education, and deliver improved health care.
Vice President Lizer as joined by White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Director Douglas Hoelscher, Acting Director of Domestic Policy Brooke Rollins, Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, Asst. Secretary of Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney, Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans Jeannie Hovland, U.S. Attorney Trent Shores, and Indian Health Service Director RADM Michael D. Weahkee, and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).
“Any time that the White House provides an opportunity for our Native American tribes to champion a solution to long-held issues across Indian Country, we relish those collaborative endeavors to generate constructive movement. We thank President Trump, Vice President Pence, and their Administration,” added Vice President Lizer.
“As America is being restored to the American Dream, it is our pleasure and desire to remind our federal government family that we feel Indian Country has never been invited to the American Dream from the beginning. I join President Trump and his Administration in improving the opportunity in Indian Country and we relish the opportunity to work with President Trump in championing the change in the federal government’s relationship with Indian Country,” added Vice President Lizer.
The plan includes:
Ensure safer communities by supporting law enforcement, serving victims, continuing to prioritize the issue of missing and murdered Native Americans through the Operation Lady Justice Task Force, and combating illegal drugs and supporting those with addiction.
Instill policies to add 51,000 Native American-owned businesses and up to 196,000 new jobs for Tribal communities, including growing
the pipeline for Tribal entrepreneurship through opportunities for Federal contracting.Improve infrastructure and connectivity, including funding for modern broadband e-Connectivity and nurturing agricultural growth in Indian Country.
Promote Tribal economic self-determination by streamlining regulations governing natural resources, energy, and infrastructure development in Indian Country.
Increase Federal investment in Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Respect Native American culture by prioritizing the repatriation of Native American remains and important cultural artifacts, supporting Native language education, and nurturing Native American artisan small businesses.
Provide all Native American children access to high-quality education options through scholarships, the creation of new Tribally operated charter schools, and improving the quality of education at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) operated and funded schools.
Host National Tribal Leader Convening and establish a National Week of Consultation.
Improve care delivery in the Indian Health Service (IHS) and increase access to quality healthcare for Native Americans, including ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics are prioritized for Tribal communities.
Honor the tradition of military service by Native Americans and ensure veterans and service members get the healthcare they need and deserve.