TITLE: Reaffirm Call for Tribal Person to Head Administration for Children and Families (AC) Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Washington, DC
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, the Northwest Tribes represent over 30% of the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANFs) of the total tribal TANF programs in the United States including states that contribute at least a 60% Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Funds to the tribes as well as States whose MOE funding to tribally TANF programs are less than 20% of their MOE; and
WHEREAS, the tribal TANFs clients are among the most difficult to serve clients due to a high rate of unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence and other social issues; and
WHEREAS, tribal populations lack in opportunities for education and vocational training, especially due to their remote locations; and
WHEREAS, the tribal TANFs of our nations are located in areas where populations cannot support industry, no matter how small; and
WHEREAS, even where commerce is possible, jobs are lost in the smallest shifts to economic instability; and
WHEREAS, sensitive tribal leadership in the management of Tribal TANF at the Headquarters of the Administration For Children and Families is critical to the successful delivery of Tribal TANF services to tribal people; and
WHEREAS, the tribes for over 8 years have been calling on the President’s Administration to appoint a Tribal TANF qualified and experienced tribal person to fill the Tribal TANF position at ACF in Washington, DC.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) does hereby reaffirm its call on the Secretary of Health and Human Service and the Assistant Secretary for ACF, to fill the Tribal Office for TANF in ACF Central with a qualified and experienced tribal person; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NCAI until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.