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The entire Department of Interior is currently going through a reorganization ordered by the president to create efficiency and cut waste. The proposal would increase the number of Bureau of Indian Affairs regions from 11 to 13 based on watersheds and ecosystems. Chairperson Aaron Payment (Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) calls the reasons justifying the administration’s reorganization like “lipstick on a pig”. Some tribes, like the Navajo Nation, are already voicing opposition to the plan. But others welcome what they see as an opportunity.
Guests:
John Tahsuda (Kiowa) – Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs
Matt Komalty (Kiowa) – Chairman of the Kiowa Tribe
Dr. Aaron Payment (Tribe of Chippewa Indians) – chairperson of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and first vice-president of the National Congress of American Indians
Liz Malerba (Mohegan Tribe) – director of policy and legislative affairs for United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund
Break 1 Music: Wiconi (song) Primeaux & Mike (artist) Road to Peace (album)
Break 2 Music: Cree Honor Song (song) Randy Wood (artist) The Gift of Life (album)
