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.

CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee Nominations Open

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry are accepting nominations for vacancies on their Tribal Advisory Committee. The committee provides tribal perspectives and advice on CDC/ATSDR programs, policies and priorities affecting American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The application window is Sept. 1 through Oct. 16, 2026.

Open positions include:

  • Navajo Area Delegate
  • Alaska Area Alternate
  • Albuquerque Area Alternate
  • Bemidji Area Alternate
  • Billings Area Alternate
  • Navajo Area Alternate
  • Three National At-Large Alternate positions

Information on eligibility, selection criteria, nomination procedures and the committee charter is available through the CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee.

DOJ Office of Violence Against Women Releases Update Brief Update on Status of Tribal Recommendations

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) released on Wednesday a six-page update on tribal recommendations gathered by the OVW.

The document summarizes selected testimony from Tribal leaders and their designees presented during the 20th annual Tribal consultation required by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), as amended. It provides brief updates on areas of consensus across the testimonies, particularly those addressing violence against American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women.

Community Forest Program Funding Opportunity Open

The U.S. Forest Service is accepting FY2026 applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, a competitive grant program that helps eligible organizations acquire private forest land to establish community forests.

Federally recognized Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

Application deadline: Oct. 13, 2026

Applications must be submitted directly to the applicant’s State Forester or equivalent Tribal official — not through Grants.gov. Applicants must also email SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov to confirm their application has been submitted.

The full Notice of Funding Opportunity, scoring guidance, FAQs, and supporting materials are available on Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2026-CFP.