The House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, led by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico), holds an oversight hearing titled “Strengthening Indigenous Communities Through Cultural and Environmental Preservation” on October 26, 2021.

The U.S. government has a long history of cultural and physical violence against American Indian and Alaska Native communities resulting in a significant loss of traditional language, knowledge, and culture. To address this, tribal governments and organizations have dedicated funding and community initiatives towards cultural and environmental preservation.

Cultural and environmental preservation efforts protect and sustain the traditional teachings and lifeways that strengthen tribal communities by promoting tribal self-determination, education and economic development opportunities. The hearing will explore how Congress can support tribal communities actively engaging in such efforts and ensure their longevity.

Witnesses The Honorable Michael Fairbanks Chairman White Earth Nation Ogema, Minnesota

Mr. Chase Meierotto Division Administrator, Treaty Natural Resources Division Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Bayfield, Wisconsin

Ms. Elizabeth Azzuz Secretary Cultural Fire Management Council Hoopa, California

Mr. Cody Desautel President Intertribal Timber Council Portland, Oregon

House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States Notice https://naturalresources.house.gov/hearings/strengthening-indigenous-communities-through-cultural-and-environmental-preservation