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In the midst of ongoing coverage by Native News Online, a number of recent developments from Washington, D.C. have emerged that may impact Indian Country. One upcoming event of note is the Not Invisible Act Commission’s public hearing, scheduled to take place in Anchorage, Alaska on April 25th, 2023. The Commission was established in October 2023 to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and human trafficking, and is composed of federal and non-federal members including law enforcement, Tribal leaders, survivors, and family members of victims.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting input from tribes on the proposed establishment of tobacco product manufacturing practice requirements for finished and bulk tobacco products, as part of efforts to comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Tribal consultations on the proposal will take place virtually on April 11th with a public comment period open through September 6th, 2023.
In support of Indian-owned small businesses, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and of the Interior (DOI) will co-host the Buy Indian Small Business Industry Days on April 25th and 26th, with a marketplace and trade show the first day and a virtual matchmaking session between businesses and federal contracting officers the second. Tribal communities in need of clean water and sanitation systems may find the newly-launched interactive website from the Indian Health Service (IHS) informative, as it provides information on Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The website includes project funding amounts, tribes served, and project statuses, and will be regularly updated.
Finally, as Native News Online celebrates 12 years of delivering important news and stories to Indian Country, readers are encouraged to support their efforts with a donation, big or small. As an independent Indigenous journalism outlet, Native News Online plays an important role in covering stories and topics that may otherwise be overlooked or erasure.
