Contact us at: whispernthunder1@gmail.comTreaty Violations Yet Again!
~ As reported by Joelle Clark
Introduction
Native American communities have long relied
on federal support rooted in treaty and trust
obligations. These commitments are not acts
of charity, they are legal responsibilities
established through centuries of agreements
between sovereign Tribal nations and the United
States. However, recent actions by the current
administration have raised alarm among Tribal leaders and advocates, who warn that sweeping federal cuts and policy shifts are threatening the very foundation of these obligations.
Federal Grant Freeze and Legal Challenges
Just days into President Trump’s second term, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive to freeze all federal grants. Although the order was quickly rescinded, the administration has continued to pursue legal authority to enact future freezes. This move jeopardizes over $24 billion in funding for Native American communities, potentially disrupting essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and law enforcement.
Impact on Tribal Health Services
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans to cut 20,000 health jobs, consolidate divisions, and close regional offices, all part of a broader “workforce optimization” initiative. Tribal health programs, including the Indian Health Service (IHS), face severe funding threats. Leaders warn that these cuts could result in clinic closures, loss of essential staff, and increased preventable deaths in Native communities.
Education and Youth Programs at Risk
Federal cuts have also targeted Tribal education programs. Institutions like Haskell Indian Nations University and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute have experienced mass layoffs, disrupting academic continuity and student support. K–12 schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education are struggling to maintain basic operations, with staff facing purchasing restrictions that hinder their ability to buy supplies.
Public Safety and Infrastructure Challenges
Tribal police departments and emergency services are severely underfunded. For example, the San Carlos Apache Tribe reports having only 19 officers to patrol a vast area, when at least 75 are needed. Road maintenance programs under the Bureau of Indian Affairs are also critically underfunded, with only 13% of roads in acceptable condition.
Urban Native Populations Overlooked
Approximately 76% of Native Americans live in urban areas, yet funding for Urban Indian Health Programs remains precarious. Advocates emphasize that treaty obligations do not end at reservation boundaries and that urban Native populations deserve equal access to healthcare and social services.
Tribal Leaders Speak Out
Tribal leaders across the country have testified before Congress, urging lawmakers to hold the administration accountable. They argue that these cuts are not just budgetary decisions, they are violations of treaty and trust obligations. “Tribal programs are not DEI initiatives,” said Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier. “They are a fulfillment of treaty and trust obligations and must not be subject to arbitrary reductions or freezes”.
Conclusion
The current administration’s actions have sparked widespread concern across Indian Country. From healthcare and education to infrastructure and public safety, the ripple effects of federal cuts are being felt in every corner of Native life. As legal battles unfold and advocacy efforts intensify, one thing remains clear: honoring treaty and trust obligations is not optional, it is a moral and legal imperative.