TITLE: Calling for Enactment of the Indian Economic Enhancement Act
WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the health, safety and welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and
WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was established in 1944 and is the oldest and largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments; and
WHEREAS, Indian communities are in desperate need for community and business development to encourage investment in Indian Country; and
WHEREAS, further consultation and interagency coordination are necessary to ensure that existing barriers to investment, business and economic development are eliminated in Indian Country; and
WHEREAS, feasibility studies, tax incentive programs, and regulatory changes are also necessary to promote prosperity for these communities; and
WHEREAS, the Indian Economic Enhancement Act would provide support for Indian Country and Alaska Native economic growth initiatives by amending the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000; promoting Indian Community Development Initiatives; amending the Buy Indian Act; and amending the Native American Programs Act of 1974; and
WHEREAS, the Indian Economic Enhancement Act was first introduced (with the title Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act) in the 114th Congress, during which it received a hearing, and it was voted out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; and
WHEREAS, the Indian Economic Enhancement Act was introduced again this Congress and it was voted out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) does hereby call upon the Congress to enact the provisions in the Indian Economic Enhancement Act to promote business development, trade promotion, and community development initiatives, among other tribal initiatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NCAI until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.
CERTIFICATION
The foregoing resolution was adopted by the General Assembly at the 2017 Midyear Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center, June 12 to June 15, 2017, with a quorum present.