The House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, led by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico), holds an oversight hearing titled “Strengthening Indigenous Communities Through Cultural and Environmental Preservation” on October 26, 2021.

The U.S. government has a long history of cultural and physical violence against American Indian and Alaska Native communities resulting in a significant loss of traditional language, knowledge, and culture. To address this, tribal governments and organizations have dedicated funding and community initiatives towards cultural and environmental preservation.

Cultural and environmental preservation efforts protect and sustain the traditional teachings and lifeways that strengthen tribal communities by promoting tribal self-determination, education and economic development opportunities. The hearing will explore how Congress can support tribal communities actively engaging in such efforts and ensure their longevity.

Witnesses

The Honorable Michael Fairbanks

Chairman

White Earth Nation

Ogema, Minnesota

Mr. Chase Meierotto

Division Administrator, Treaty Natural Resources Division

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Ms. Elizabeth Azzuz

Secretary

Cultural Fire Management Council

Hoopa, California

Mr. Cody Desautel

President

Intertribal Timber Council

Portland, Oregon

House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States Notice

https://naturalresources.house.gov/hearings/strengthening-indigenous-communities-through-cultural-and-environmental-preservation