WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.

USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum to Focus on Indigenous Knowledge

For the first time ever, USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum is hosting a dedicated session on Indigenous Knowledge. This panel highlights collaborations between USDA, researchers, and tribal governments to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge (IK) to solve challenges facing American farmers. USDA Office of Tribal Relations Director Heather Dawn Thompson will moderate the panel. Virtual registration is free and open to the public.

WHAT: Tackling Agriculture and Environmental Challenges with Indigenous Knowledge

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 16, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. ET

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Hearing 

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, led a legislative hearing on –

Assistant Secretary for Legislation Melanie Anne Egorin from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kathryn Isom-Clause from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe President Manuel Heart, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Douglas Lankford, Lower Sioux Indian Community President Robert Larsen, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan, and Executive Director Angie Wilson from the Reno Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Center testified at the hearing.

The full video of the legislative hearing is available here.