WASHINGTON, D.C. – NDN Collective staff members this week are meeting with members of Congress, the White House, and government agencies to uplift Indigenous solutions to our world’s most pressing issues. The team’s schedule will including meetings with:
- The White House
- Members of the Department of Interior
- Members of Department Of Energy – Indian Energy Policy & Programs
- USDA – U.S. Forest Service, Office of Tribal Relations
- Senate Committee on Small Business
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
- Cong. Cori Bush (D-MO)
- National Park Service
- Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA)
- Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
- Cong. Sharice Davids (D-KS)
- Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD)
- Cong. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
- Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
- Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
- Sen. Crapo (R-ID)
- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM)
- Rep.Kelly Armstrong (R-ND)
- Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT)
- Rep. Jared Neguse (D-CA)
- Cong. Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
- Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
“As an organization guided by three pillars – to defend, develop, decolonize – it’s important to meet with elected officials to educate them on how we’re building and resourcing Indigenous self-determination,” said Janene Yazzie, NDN Collective Southwest Regional Director. “We need elected representatives to understand that we are advocating for a shift from an era of consultation to one of consent, because Indigenous-led solutions are what’s best for our communities and our planet.”
“Every day, members of Congress make laws and decisions that impact the daily lives of Indigenous people and our lands,” said Nick Tilsen, President and CEO of NDN Collective. “Federal agencies have been created to implement these laws and mandates. We are here to hold these systems accountable and to bring voice to our struggle, to share what we are fighting to protect, as well as the future we are working towards. We do so unapologetically, rooted in the movements and values we have worked hard to build. As we fight for the return of our lands and to create climate solutions, it’s important that these decision makers hear directly from those of us on the ground.”
