The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will convene a two-part field hearing in Alaska next week to examine the impacts of disasters on Tribal communities, as well as federal response, recovery efforts, and long-term resilience planning.
The hearings, scheduled for May 5–6, 2026, will take place in Anchorage and Bethel, bringing together Tribal leaders, federal officials, and community stakeholders to address ongoing challenges and explore solutions.
Anchorage Roundtable to Center Tribal Experiences
Part I of the field hearing will be held Tuesday, May 5, at Lucy Cuddy Hall in Anchorage. Titled “Alaska Native Voices: A Roundtable with Kipnuk and Kwigillingok on Disaster Impacts, Recovery, and Resilience,” the session will focus on firsthand accounts from Tribal leaders in the communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.
The roundtable will examine the aftermath of Typhoon Halong, including barriers encountered in federal disaster response and recovery programs. Leaders are also expected to discuss community-driven approaches to both immediate recovery and long-term resilience, including the possibility of relocation.
Participation in the roundtable will be limited to Tribal leadership, including Tribal Council members and administrators from the two communities. Federal and elected officials may attend and offer opening remarks.
The session will be open to the public and media, and written comments may be submitted within 30 days following the discussion for inclusion in the official Committee record.
Bethel Hearing to Examine Federal Programs and Gaps
Part II will take place Wednesday, May 6, at the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel. Titled “From Disaster to Resilience: Strengthening Tribal Communities through Federal Response, Mitigation, and Relocation Programs,” the hearing will explore gaps and opportunities in federal efforts to support Tribal communities.
The formal hearing, scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., will feature a panel of witnesses providing testimony to the Committee. A list of witnesses and their written statements will be made available in advance.
Following the hearing, a Tribal leader listening session will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., allowing Tribal leaders to provide direct input. Participants will be able to sign up on-site to speak.
The event will be open to the public and livestreamed via the Committee’s website, with an archived video available afterward. As with the Anchorage session, written comments may be submitted within 30 days for inclusion in the official record.
Focus on Sovereignty and Resilience
Together, the two-part hearing aims to elevate Tribal voices and identify ways to strengthen federal coordination, improve funding mechanisms, and support Tribal self-determination in disaster preparedness and response.
By hosting the hearings in Alaska—where many Native communities face increasing threats from climate-driven disasters—the Committee is seeking to ground federal policy discussions in the lived experiences of those most directly affected.
