U.S. President Joe Biden will sign an executive order on federal funding for Native Americans

During a tribal nations summit on Wednesday, President Joe Biden will sign on an executive order that focus to facilitate Native Americans' access to federal funding and provide them with more autonomy to decide how to utilize those funds.

According to Neera Tanden, White House domestic policy adviser, tribal nations still encounter obstacles that prevent them from fully using their inherent sovereignty. These barriers often arise from the current administration of federal funding programs. Tanden said that throughout history, federal policies have undermined Native people's self-governance rights and caused long-lasting economic harm. The Biden administration is committed to rectifying this damage.

The executive order includes the creation of a clearinghouse where Native American tribes can easily locate and access federal funding opportunities. Additionally, it urges federal agencies to ensure that the distribution of funding is easily accessible and fair for all tribes. 

During an annual summit, the order will be revealed on the first day. Biden is expected to speak to Native American leaders gathering in Washington. The Democratic administration is set to make known over 190 agreements that permit tribes to manage federal lands, waters, and natural resources. Additionally, they will announce a new study aimed at better understanding and recounting the history of Native Americans, specifically during times of federal reform.

The Department of the Interior is also in the process of making final revisions to a rule that revamps the repatriation of human remains, funerary objects, and sacred objects. The new regulations simplify the requirements for museums and federal agencies to identify potential items for repatriation.

Biden previously hosted the summit in person last year and virtually the year before. However, this year, the intention is to offer tribal leaders an opportunity for more substantial discussions with members of Biden's Cabinet. 

Some Native American and Alaska Native leaders have criticized federal agencies for treating the consultation process as a mere formality. Complaints about this flawed process have been raised in various cases, such as permitting decisions for mining projects, oil and gas development, and the preservation of sacred areas—from Nevada to Alaska.

In addition, the White House Council on Native American Affairs, co-chaired by Haaland and Tanden, has released a guide that outlines best practices and procedures for the management, treatment, and safeguarding of sacred sites. This document was finalized after incorporating feedback from tribal leaders.