WASHINGTON – In addition to the articles already covered by Native News Online, here’s a look at other news from Washington, D.C. recently impacting Indian Country.
Native American Seed Act introduced
Representative Norma J. Torres (D-CA), member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) introduced the Native American Seed Act. Legislation that would allow the Department of the Interior and Indian tribes to establish a program that would identify and protect traditional Native American seeds.
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“The Native American Seed Act is intended to provide tribal communities across the country the opportunity to protect and preserve their traditional agricultural practices. The goal is to help tribal initiatives preserve traditional seeds and agricultural practices that are vital to their physical, cultural and spiritual well-being. ” said Representative Norma Torres. “This practice involves conventional planting methods, culinary rituals and ceremonial activities, which not only promote food sovereignty and health, but also protect the legacy embodied in these seeds. Their inherent properties are vital for the sustainable flourishing of plant life for generations to come. for creating a path for future generations to continue their legacy and make their mark on the world. I am honored to work with Congressman LaMalfa to ensure we achieve this goal through bipartisan efforts.
“The Pueblo of Tesuque thanks Representative Torres for introducing the Native American Seeds Act of 2024. This legislation would help us in our efforts to protect and protect our traditional seeds and agricultural systems that have nourished us physically, culturally, and spiritually for millennia to keep. Governor Milton Herrera, Pueblo of Tesuque, said. “Our ancestors developed a relationship with plants for food and medicine and for use in ceremonies and prayers, which enabled our community and our culture to survive; and this bill will ensure that our deep ties to these factories will continue for generations to come.”
IHS & HUD holds consultations on tribal infrastructure needs
Indian Healthcare (IHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are seeking input from the tribes on how federal resources for affordable housing, water, And Sewerage infrastructure is best provided to tribal communities. The consultation furthers the goals of President Biden’s Executive Order 14112, which directs federal agencies to work together to streamline processes And work together to solve problems. IHS And HUD asks questions to facilitate consultation in this Dear Tribal Leader Letter. Written responses And comment on other housing-related considerations is requested by November 9 to consultation@hud.gov And consultation@ihs.gov with the subject line “HUD/IHS housing-related infrastructure for tribal communities.”
Publishes information memorandum on Indigenous knowledge in Head Start programs
The ACF Office of Head Start recently released guidelines confirming that Tribes can design And implement a Head Start curricula And assessment tools that target their language, culture, And traditions. The Head Start statute requires that a curriculum be rooted in scientifically valid research. The guideline affirms that by applying indigenous knowledge to developing, adapting, And By implementing curricula, AI/AN Head Start recipients meet the requirement that curricula be research-based And scientifically valid. The guidance also assures Tribes that OHS will leave assessment of their own curricula to Tribal leaders And reviews And determine that they are scientifically valid based on their own indigenous knowledge. You can read the Information Memorandum in full about ACF’s Head Start policy And Regulations web page.
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