House Democrats are committed to the twin pillars of our nation's relationship with Native American tribes: sovereignty and trust. We must uphold tribal sovereignty—the right of tribes to be self-governing, as recognized in treaties, legislation, and the US Constitution.  Every congressional action should be respectful and based on a strong government-to-government relationship. At the same time, we must honor our nation’s trust responsibility toward America’s first citizens—our obligations to Native Americans that flow from the treaties and agreements in which tribes gave up their lands in exchange for services.

We want to work together with Native Americans to improve health, education, and economic development in Indian Country. Right now the basic, urgent needs of Native Americans are not being met. Our nation’s four million Native Americans deserve good schools, good-jobs, quality health care and affordable housing.

House Democrats have put together legislative solutions that will open the doors of opportunity to Native American children, create stronger economies and good jobs on Indian reservations, fund health care services for Native American communities, and respect tribal sovereignty. The ideas in this plan were developed through years of dialogue with Native Americans, because real solutions to problems can only be developed with the full participation of those affected by the problems.   We will continue to work closely with tribal leaders in the future.

Learn more about the Democratic Native American Initiative

Learn more about the Legislation in the Democratic Native American Initiative