Last week, on May 13th, the House Committee on Natural Resources held an Oversight Hearing titled “Examining the President’s FY 2027 Budget Request for the Department of the Interior.” At the hearing, the Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, testified.

Key Messages from Hearing:

• House Committee on Natural Resources (Committee) Republicans are working proactively with the Trump administration to unleash American energy, strengthen domestic mineral supply chains, and promote access to our abundant natural resources.
• Committee Republicans are increasing domestic mining activities and reducing America’s dependence on foreign adversaries for critical minerals and rare earth elements, creating quality jobs for hardworking Americans.
• From investing in improved visitor experiences on our public lands to streamlining wildfire responses, Committee Republicans are dedicated to improving access to our beautiful public lands and waters and saving them from costly federal mismanagement.
• Working with the Trump administration, Committee Republicans have swiftly secured America’s borders, preventing a return to the staggering environmental devastation that criminal cartels had routinely inflicted during the Biden administration.
• Committee Republicans continue to build upon a successful record of reducing regulatory red tape, streamlining permitting processes across the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and improving access to our natural resources.

During the hearing, Representative Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, asked Secretary Burgum how Congress could best support public safety in Indian Country. Secretary Burgum identified adequate funding and increased public awareness as primary requirements and highlighted the recent Secretarial Order, signed earlier this month, to honor the commitment to protecting communities in Indian Country.

Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) addressed the Hualapai Water Rights Settlement, noting that a failure to secure full funding by 2029 would result in the settlement becoming null and void, marking an unprecedented failure to meet statutory obligations to a Tribal nation under a constitutionally enacted water settlement. In response, Secretary Burgum confirmed that the necessary funding would be provided.

Watch the Oversight Hearing

Wednesday, May 20, at 1:00 p.m. ET

Private investment can be a powerful driver of change in your community – and Opportunity Zones 2.0 is set to shape that impact for years to come.

Join National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) for Opportunity Zones 2.0: What You Need to Know and How to Act Now to learn how this updated federal incentive program can be leveraged to direct investment into low-income communities.

Opportunity Zones 2.0 (OZ 2.0), created under the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), offers new tax benefits designed to encourage private investment in underserved areas. But the process is competitive and time-sensitive – those who act early will be best positioned to succeed. In the webinar, NCRC will cover:

• What Opportunity Zones 2.0 is and how it works
• Key updates under the 2025 legislation
• How to position your community for investment
• Strategies to engage state decision-makers effectively

Source: National Community Reinvestment Coalition Register to Join on May 20

The Tribal Leadership Academy (TLA) at Dartmouth College offers a one-week educational program for newly elected or appointed tribal leaders, featuring a curriculum tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of Indian Country. From July 27th – July 31st, Native leaders new to their roles in Indian Country, whether elected or appointed, will learn from our Faculty Presenters in a 25-member cohort, including speakers, NAFOA President and Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Rodney Butler, along with NAFOA’s Executive Director, Cory Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee).

Topics include economic development, grant writing, health care delivery, and intergovernmental relations. Dartmouth will cover up to $500 in travel expenses (reimbursable after the event, submitted with receipts), accommodations, and most meals during the Academy.

Applications due by May 31, 2026. Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026, and acceptances will be sent by June 15, 2026.

Source: Dartmouth College Learn More & Apply

By AMERIND

As the world continues to change and evolve, many Tribal enterprises and organizations face a complex challenge: how to find the right insurance solutions to protect their assets while remaining financially sustainable. For Tribal governments and businesses, this challenge is even more complex. Tribal enterprises operate within unique governance structures, regulatory environments, and cultural priorities that require a more specialized approach than traditional one size fits all insurance models can provide.

At the same time, the broader insurance and financial landscape is rapidly shifting. The growing emergence of artificial intelligence and automation has introduced new opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction. Many providers rely on technology driven solutions to streamline processes, generate quotes, and assess risk. While these advancements offer speed and convenience, they can also create gaps in understanding the real-world complexities that Tribal enterprises face every day.

Download & Read the NAFOA Navigator (pg 122-123) If you are experiencing issues with the link, visit nafoa.org/conference for the direct link to the Navigator.

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians is seeking a highly skilled attorney and dedicated and strategic leader to join the Office of Attorney General. The position of Attorney General shall be responsible for advancing Tribal self-governance and sovereignty, protecting all Tribal assets, defending the integrity of the Tribe, assisting and advising Tribal entities in their pursuit of progress on behalf of Tribal members, and managing and providing legal services and representation to the Tribe, the Tribal Council, the Tribal Government, and its Tribal Entities. The Attorney General is prohibited from offering legal advice or representing individual Tribal Members but instead serves to protect the rights of all members of the Tribe administering fair and impartial justice. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs