Westerman Holds Historic Roundtable with Tribal Leaders

Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hosted a historic tribal roundtable with representatives of five tribes from across the nation to discuss health care, public safety and economic development issues in Indian Country.

"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." - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

"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." - Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)

Background

Under Chairman Westerman's leadership, the House Committee on Natural Resources has remained committed to working with American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee has held hearings and advanced legislation to improve the Indian Healthcare System, investigate misconduct at a Bureau of Indian Education-operated university, improve public safety in tribal communities, unlock the economic potential of tribal lands and more. The committee remains committed to continuing this work in the 119th Congress.

The panel of members heard from five witnesses during the roundtable:

Michael Dolson, Chairman, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Victoria Kitcheyan, Chairwoman, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Reid Milanovich, Chairman, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Marshall Pierite, Chairman, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Lousiana

Jennifer Webster, Councilwoman, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin

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