Washington, April 15, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an exciting event that will take place from April 22-26, 2024 – the Annual Consultation and Listening Session on Tribal Barriers. This event is an opportunity for Tribal Nation officials to come together and discuss the progress made and provide feedback for next steps in improving USDA services to Indian Country.
Under the historic Biden-Harris Administration, significant investments have been made in response to requests from Tribal Nations. These investments have had a positive impact on the lives of Native Americans and have shown the commitment of the administration to address the unique challenges faced by Tribal communities.
The Annual Consultation and Listening Session will serve as a platform for Tribal Nation officials to highlight the progress made through these investments. It will also open up a dialogue between USDA officials and Tribal leaders to find ways to further improve USDA services to Indian Country.
Over the years, Tribal Nations have faced many barriers in accessing USDA services. These barriers have hindered the economic development and self-sufficiency of Tribal communities. However, under the Biden-Harris Administration, steps have been taken to break down these barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable system for Tribal Nations.
One of the key investments made by the administration is the Tribal Food Sovereignty Initiative. This initiative aims to promote food security and promote self-sufficiency by providing resources and support for Tribal agriculture and food systems. Additionally, the USDA has invested in rural infrastructure, which has a direct impact on the development of Tribal communities.
Along with these investments, the USDA has also worked towards improving health and nutrition in Tribal communities. The Native American Nutrition Education Program has been expanded to provide nutrition education and resources to Tribal communities. This program has been successful in promoting healthier eating habits and reducing food insecurity among Native Americans.
In addition to these investments, the USDA has also taken steps to address land issues faced by Tribal Nations. The Tribal Land Buy-Back Program has been expanded to allow Tribal Nations to repurchase their lands, which were lost due to the General Allotment Act of 1887. This program has been successful in restoring land to its rightful owners and supporting Tribal economic development.
Apart from these investments, the USDA has also worked on improving access to credit and financing for Tribal agricultural producers and businesses. This has allowed for the growth and development of Tribal economies and has created opportunities for self-sufficiency.
The Annual Consultation and Listening Session will provide an opportunity for Tribal Nations to discuss the impact of these investments and provide valuable feedback for future progress. The USDA is committed to working closely with Tribal leaders to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
In addition to these discussions, the event will also feature sessions on tribal consultation policies and procedures, tribal resource development, and updates on the USDA’s progress in addressing ongoing Tribal barriers.
The USDA is looking forward to hearing from Tribal leaders and working together to build a stronger and more resilient Indian Country. The Annual Consultation and Listening Session is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable system for Tribal communities.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Tribal Nations is evident through these investments and initiatives. With the Annual Consultation and Listening Session, the USDA hopes to continue this positive momentum and ensure that the needs of Tribal communities are met.
We urge all Tribal Nation officials to participate in this event and make their voices heard. Together, we can work towards a better future for Indian Country.
In conclusion, we are excited about the upcoming Annual Consultation and Listening Session on Tribal Barriers and look forward to the progress that will be made for the benefit of Tribal communities. The USDA remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Tribal Nations and creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
