Dear USET/USET SPF Family,
For your awareness, we provide links to recent USET SPF letters to Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who are the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for the 117th Congress, respectively. These communications seek to initiate further dialogue regarding the future of our government-to-government diplomatic relationship, as well as the unique priorities, circumstances, and vision of USET SPF member Tribal Nations. As the Leadership of SCIA, Chairman Schatz and Vice Chair Murkowski play a critical role in elevating the voices of Indian Country—particularly among their Congressional colleagues—as well as delivering upon the federal government’s trust responsibility and obligations.
Coming from Hawaii and Alaska, it is important to recognize that the interests, requirements, and priorities of Tribal Nations from the USET SPF region, and across the country, are often different from those of the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native communities. With this in mind, it is critical that SCIA Leadership work toward a more complete understanding of and appreciation for the rich diversity that exists across Indian Country, including in the USET SPF region.
For more information, please contact Liz Malerba, USET SPF Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, at lmalerba@usetinc.org.
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