Native Americans

Witnessing in Solidarity with the First Americans

Our Work

FCNL’s Native American advocacy program offers the support of an enduring ally, pointing to opportunities for investment that the federal government might overlook or underfund, and providing information, where possible, on the continuing struggles of native peoples.

This work takes us into all of the issue areas encountered by any government: land and borders; environment, energy, and natural resources; economic development; care for the safety and well-being of tribal citizens; and investment in the future through health and education.

In this section

Background on Native American Issues

More on Native American Issues

Update Where's the Money for Fiscal Year 2018?

Updated September 7 at 4 p.m.

Fiscal Year 2017 ends on September 30. The debt limit will be reached in mid December. So, how's it going, Congress?

Issues: Native Americans

Update Native American Legislative Update - August 2017

Congress Has Left the Stage

The President proposes, but Congress disposes, one leading appropriator quipped when the President submitted a budget with deep cuts affecting Indian Country. With Congress on recess until September, there's a moment to check in on how the committees have been responding to the President's proposals. So far, funding looks better than might have been expected...

Issues: Native Americans

Update Following the Money: Indian Health Care

Funding in the Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill

There are two big stories about health care in Indian country and for urban Indians. One has to do with the adequacy of staffing and facilities for the Indian Health Service (IHS). The other has to do with protecting continued funding of federal programs including the IHS and Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans programs along with access to affordable and effective health insurance.

Issues: Native Americans

Update Following the Money: Indian Housing and Economic Development

Funding in the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill

Assurance of safe and secure shelter is critical for anyone’s survival and potential, especially in some of the harsh climates to which Native people have been consigned in the “lower 48,” and in the original homelands of Alaska Natives. Yet Native Americans and Alaska Natives living in Indian country are much less likely than the rest of the nation to have a physically adequate home, with appropriate plumbing, kitchen facilities, heating, structures and protection from the elements.

Issues: Native Americans

Update Following the Money: Indian Education and Community Building

Funding in the Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill and the Health, Human Services and Education bill

Indian students in schools owned by the Bureau of Indian Education are likely to arrive each day to a place that is leaking, rotting, corroded, too cold or too hot, and poorly furnished to support learning. How are these students supposed to build a future for themselves on such a foundation?

Issues: Native Americans

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