A statement from NARF Executive Director John Echohawk:
We at the Native American Rights Fund, like many of you, are shocked at the withholding of federal funding. Tribal Nations, more so than almost any other community, will be negatively impacted by this decision. Tribal Nations rely on federal funding to address essential needs, including public safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens. The United States has a unique government-to-government obligation to Tribal Nations. Because of this unique relationship, Tribal Nations and Native people are especially and disproportionately affected by any federal actions like today’s funding freeze. The United States’ must fulfill its trust obligation to protect Tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources. Withholding federal funding without consultation is a step in the wrong direction.
Ultimately, the executive branch is tasked with distributing taxpayer funds in a timely and efficient way based on the priorities identified by legislators. The executive branch does not have the power to overrule the will of the people and refuse funding to some because they don’t like the language that they use. The money that is being withheld is taxpayer dollars. Through Congress, we, the people, have made decisions about how we want our money spent. To withhold our money from us without reason or warning is illegal and immoral.
We recognize the immense impact that this action has for our people. The Native American Rights Fund is investigating how this action might specifically affect Tribal Nations and if legal action is needed to protect the rights of Tribal Nations and their citizens.
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