WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will host an oversight hearing, “Examining the COVID-19 Response in Native Communities: Native Tourism Economies One Year Later,” on Wednesday, May 12 at 2:30 p.m. – EDT.
The Committee wants to learn about infrastructure needs in Native communities and how resources in the American Rescue Plan Act and the NATIVE Act help support Native tourism economies as they recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
During the hearing, testimony from representatives from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Indian Economic Development, and leaders in the Native American tourism industry.
Sherry L. Rupert, the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) will testify on the vital economic importance of the tourism industry to Native American communities.
“A robust tourism industry is a powerful economic driver in Indian Country,” Rupert stated in preparation of her testimony. “The dramatic decline in tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact throughout all tribal communities, so we are encouraged that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has invited us to testify on this economic crisis.”
WHAT: Schatz to lead Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing.
WITNESSES:
- Mr. Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC
- Mr. Anthony Rodman, Acting Director, Office of Indian Economic Development, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC
- Mr. John De Fries, President and CEO, Hawai’i Tourism Authority, Honolulu, HI
- Ms. Sherry Rupert, CEO, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, Albuquerque, NM
- Mr. Russell Dick, President and CEO, Huna Totem Corporation, Juneau, AK
WHEN: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. HT
HOW TO JOIN: Access the live stream here.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Bill to Make California Native American Day Paid Holiday Clears Second Committee
Native American Voters Turned Out Big for Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
