- Details
The Biden-Harris Campaign had an unprecedented outreach to Indian Country which made the difference in key battle ground states to retain Minnesota and turn Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada blue. Today, President Biden released his Presidential Memorandum reaffirming President Bill Clinton’s E.O.13175 which established Government to Government relations with tribes.
Over the years, Presidents have further articulated E.O. 13175 through Presidential Memorandum. The Obama-Biden Administration extended and added the requirement for Consultation for all federal agencies and departments to produce Consultation Policies in consultation with tribes. In 2019, a GAO report revealed a number of federal agencies simply had not yet complied. During the Biden transition period, based on unprecedented outreached to tribal governments, consistently tribes asked for a restatement and reaffirmation of both E.O. 13175 and strengthening of the Presidential Memorandum on Consultation.
This is huge as everything flows from this new beginning. Specifically, several tribal leaders and I indicated we would like established timelines for completing the consultation mandate. Today, President Biden fulfilled this ask. For that, I am extremely grateful and look forward to the next 90 days to help formulate consultation policies across agencies.
Next is the appointment of the Nation’s first American Indian to a cabinet level position. Tribal leaders are urged to contact their US Senators to urge them to help make history by voting to approved Rep Deb Haaland’s nomination as Secretary of Interior. In this role, Secretary Haaland will play a key and pivot role in ensuring all agencies work collaboratively through the White House Council on Tribal Affairs. The National Congress of American Indians have voted to endorse Rep Haaland’s nomination and has posted a draft letter on their webpage (link listed below).
CLICK HERE to read the Presidential Memorandum.
Aaron Payment serves as tribal chairperson of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. In addition to be serving as tribal chairperson for his tribe, Payment serves as the 1st vice president for the National Congress of Americans, acting president of the Mid-West Alliance of Sovereign Tribes; and president of the United Tribes of Michigan.
More Stories Like This
No Disrespecting the FlagThe Dilemma of the Fourth of July
Happy July Fourth From Your Friendly Local ‘Merciless Indian’
Still Here, Still Sovereign: Defending Our Lands and Our Future
The Military and Civilians
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher