NCAI's Jackie Pata Talks Impact of Fiscal Cliff to Indian Country

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – The National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Jackie Pata, Raven/Sockeye Clan of the Tlingit Tribe, paid a visit to C-SPAN's Washington Journal.

She was immediately asked by the moderator:

If the fiscal cliff happens, what happens to Native American funding programs in the federal budget?

“Really important to us because of the trust responsibility the federal government has with the tribes, once again, just to back up so people understand … when AI ceded their land so others could live on their land, they had a contract with the government…and the contract with the government said that they will provide these resources to be able help us with our health care, education, and to be able to help us sustain our tribal communities.”

The Tribal governments receive their funding from the federal government, so unlike state governments, they do not tax to be able to have their revenue so revenue comes from the either the federal government or any businesses they may have to augment what the federal government gives.

“As we look at budget sequestration and when we look at cutting the budget, it will directly impact the tribe's ability to provide those public safety services; those educational services, and all of those essential governmental services to tribal members.”

Pata was featured on a half-hour long segment of the Washington Journal and was able to discuss an array of issues that impact the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives, including taking calls from viewers from various parts of the country.

Link to the Native American Issues TV Segment here.

posted November 28, 2012 10:10 am est