Monday, Oct 24 2011 8:58PM
If federal funds are cut, rural community development programs supporting water, housing, health, education and more may lose some or all of their support.
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) recently hosted a three-day gathering of hundreds of tribal leaders in Washington, D.C., according to Indian Country Today Media Network. Among their reasons for traveling was to persuade Congress to restrain budget cuts for Native programs as the government attempts to reduce spending.
NCAI President Jefferson Keel indicated some proposals this year have ignored the constitutionally protected legal status of
Native Americans, according to the news source. Many of the tribal leaders were concerned legislators may not realize how helpful and important federal funding for tribal programs is.
"Tribal entities have patiently participated in the political process, but recognizing the urgency of these pressing issues, we are now increasing our call for congressional action," NCAI members wrote in a letter. The organization's executive director told congressional super committee members tribes have worked hard to ensure federal funds are used efficiently and economic progress is made in their communities.
If federal funds are cut, rural
community development programs supporting water, housing, health, education and more may lose some or all of their support. In that case, alternate funding sources would be needed to prevent such programs from lapsing permanently.
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Indian Country Today Media Network