Halito F/friends!
The federal government shutdown has continued through October, doing immense damage to federal workers and the American people. While most legislative activity has been put on hold, FCNL continues to find opportunities for action. This month, consider writing Congress and asking them to pass S.761, the Truth and Healing Commission Bill!
In brighter news, we are pleased to welcome Kaylin Henderson, our new Program Assistant for Native American Advocacy. Kaylin started her 11-month fellowship with us in September, and has begun important work, including contributing to this month’s issue of the NALU. Welcome, Kaylin!
Shutdown Hits Indian Country
The federal government shutdown went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on October 1. Almost immediately, services for Indian Country were affected. While essential employees at the Department of Interior (e.g., teachers, law enforcement, and some administrative staff) continue to work without pay, non-essential employees are not working during the shutdown. This includes Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, grant services workers, and museum staff. Employees and services at the Indian Health Service (IHS) are not impacted by the shutdown, as IHS is funded differently than other programs.
The administration also activated large-scale Reductions in Force (RIFs) of federal employees. Over 4,000 employees were informed of their termination on Friday, October 10. This included all staff at the Department of the Treasury who worked on Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), including the Native American CDFI Assistance Program. Native CDFIs help communities develop small businesses and create jobs, building financial resilience in a culturally competent way. The Trump administration has announced it plans to terminate the entire CDFI program by the end of 2025.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrated Across the United States
Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated the second Monday of October.
This year, members of Congress honored Indigenous People’s Day by introducing resolutions supporting the official designation of Indigenous People’s Day as a federal holiday, which received 22 cosponsors in the House and 15 cosponsors in the Senate.
There were hundreds of celebrations across the country, including in Montana, which became the seventeenth state to celebrate the holiday after years of advocacy from Indigenous activist groups.
Conversely, the White House issued a Columbus Day Proclamation that heralded Christopher Columbus as the “original American hero, a giant of Western civilization, and one of the most gallant and visionary men to ever walk the face of the earth.” Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-6) introduced a bill that would strip federal funding from any state or municipality that honors Indigenous People’s Day.
Chase Iron Eyes, director of the Lakota People’s Law Project, stated “If Trump wants to celebrate the good things about Christopher Columbus, then let him…but tell the truth about him and let us also celebrate Indigenous peoples’ accomplishments.”
Despite attempts to politicize the holiday, Indigenous communities celebrated their triumph over centuries of displacement and erasure.
Extreme Flooding Impacts Western Alaskan Villages
Severe flooding from the remnants of Typhoon Halong has devastated western Alaska, submerging several coastal villages including Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. The storm has destroyed homes, swept buildings from their foundations, and left critical infrastructure heavily damaged. More than a thousand residents have been forced to evacuate on military planes; some have been displaced more than 500 miles from their homes. Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK), in an address to the Senate, said that the storm “has been a disaster of major proportions.” The White House approved a disaster declaration for the area, funneling critical federal funds to the region.
What We’re Reading
- Cherokee Nation Citizen Clayton Fulton Named Chief of Staff at IHS | Tribal Business News
- Alaska Native Residents Assess Their Future after Record-Breaking Storm Damage | Indianz
- From Jingle Dresses to Beadwork, the Price of Tariffs Hits Home for Indigenous Designers, Small Businesses | Indian Country Today
- Ernie Stevens Jr., Chair of the Indian Gaming Association and Oneida Nation Leader, Has Died | Associated Press
- Western SD Catholic Leaders ‘Firmly Reject’ Decision to Affirm Wounded Knee Massacre Medals | South Dakota Searchlight
